Seeking Jesus in a Quiet Place

When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with His disciples. Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. John 18:1-2  

The Garden of Gethsemane (as pictured on the right). A quiet place with old olive trees. A retreat from the noise of the city…from the hustle and bustle of the market place. A place where Jesus could commune with His Heavenly Father (See Matthew 26:36 and Mark 14:32.) and a place where Jesus had gathered His disciples together to teach them or to pray. Who doesn’t like a secluded, quiet place—away from noise—where you can think, read or pray? I like going to the beach or our favorite camping spot in the mountains at Goose Prairie—where Supreme Court Judge William O. Douglas once had a summer cabin. There were no phones and no power until the advent of the power generator and satellite dishes for TV and phone reception. Jesus would have liked the quiet peaceful setting there at Goose Prairie where He would be able to hear the babbling Bumping River rather than babbling Pharisees. The biggest decision some days is whether to sit in the sunshine or the shade to read your book. I choose the shade…I have plenty of sunshine at home. It was evening when Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples. He didn’t have to choose between sun or shade. He just went to where He knew that He could have some time with His Father…and that He could be found there by Judas. Where do you go to find Jesus? To have some quiet time with Him? 

RSVP:  Jesus is calling us to come away for some quiet time with Him. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus,  continually guide me, satisfy my desire in scorched places, give strength to my bones; so that I will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11. Guide my family and friends in the decisions that they make every day this week…that we would all seek You and find You in the quiet places of our hearts.

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

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

A Father’s Love

O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.  John 17:25-26 

Love—that’s what it is all about. Life. Love is the most important thing in life. Without love—does life have meaning? I love chocolate…but that love isn’t enough to sustain my life. I need to give and get love from other people. Relationships are so important. Connecting with those in my home, my family, my friends, my neighbors, my church, and others in my community…at my favorite grocery store, the bank, the post office, the doctors’ and dentist’s office, and even at the coffee shop. It is important to make connections. Where do you connect with others? In your neighborhood, at the Farmer’s Market, the mall or hardware store? Is that love that Jesus talked about being in His followers, in you? Do you share the love of Jesus with others? You don’t have to “preach” or even teach…just offer them a friendly greeting and let them know that you care about them. Let them tell you about their day. Life isn’t always about “me”. Do you see it that way or do you just want to tell others what you are doing…and not discover what is happening in their life? 

RSVP: Jesus wants God’s love to be in His followers. How will you respond to Jesus today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, You have shown us the love of Your Father…our Heavenly Father. Help us to show that love to others around us…and bring us all closer to You.

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

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

Heaven Bound?

Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. John 17:24  

Jesus wants those who “belong” to Him to be with Him. Since He’s headed for Heaven shortly after this time in the scripture, it’s telling me that He wants His believers with Him—to see His glory in Heaven. Jesus knows that He is loved—even before the world was made. He wants to share His Father’s love with His believers by allowing them to see His glory in Heaven. What a privilege that will be! What an awesome sight.  Angels will be gathered around Him as He sits on His throne at the right hand of God the Father. What a glorious sight. Read Revelation 7:9-11 and Revelation 22. 

RSVP: Jesus is telling us that He wants His followers to see Him in all His glory. Can you imagine what that will be like? How will you respond to His message today? Will you be there in Heaven, too, and take as many people with you as possible?  

Prayer ~ Dear God, may Your Son be glorified…and bring You glory and honor! I will be honored to see His glory—to humbly bow before You and Jesus seated on Your Thrones in Heaven. May the desires of Jesus’ heart be fulfilled as He obediently delights in honoring You, Heavenly Father. Just as it is written in Psalms 37:4…Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.

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

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

Unity with Glory

The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. John 17:22-23

Only with Jesus can anything be “perfect”—because He is perfect. We use that word so often…perfect. Those shoes are perfect…that dessert is perfect…this day is perfect. Life is perfect…when it is focused and centered on Jesus. Our life in the United States seems so perfect anyway. We take so much for granted—good food, fresh water and air, jobs, homes, security. Life is good. So good that people just may not be looking to God for provision or protection—although it is really through Him that we are granted all that. Our “unity” with Him and with each other makes our life so perfect. Love from God is perfect. We are loved by the true source of love. God. Why aren’t we “happy” then? Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. Philippians 4:11 NLT. Even when I am content I still have to fight the feeling that life is about “ME” and not Jesus? I know that it is all about HIM! How about you?

RSVP: Jesus’ desire is that we may be perfected in unity…and loved. How will you respond to His message today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, life is about You—and You give the glory to Your Father. Your face radiates His love and grace…His power and perfect unity. I praise You—for from You all blessings flow.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is summer time and the living is easy. A family favorite when camping is S’Mores. Here’s an adaptation of a fantastic S’Mores that we were served on our anniversary at Twig’s Restaurant.

S’Mores Brownies for a Crowd       Similar to S’Mores Cake at Twig’s Restaurant - Adapted from Food Network recipes.

Crust:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs (about 24 squares)

4 tablespoons sugar

Pinch fine salt

Brownie – use a mix for a 9x13 pan or the following:

1 cup unsalted butter

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

3/4 cup Hershey's cocoa powder

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt 

Topping:

4 cups miniature marshmallows or large marshmallows cut into thirds

Gaunche or rich chocolate frosting of your choice

Garnish - chocolate and /or caramel sauce and whipped cream 

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat oven to 325 degrees F. For the crust: Stir the butter together with the crumbs, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Press the crumb mixture evenly over the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 metal pan. Bake until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. 

Meanwhile, make the brownie. Stir in sugar and vanilla into the melted butter. Add eggs one at a time, hand beating well with spoon after each addition. Add cocoa; beat until well blended. Add flour, baking powder and salt; beat well. Pour batter over the graham cracker crust. Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Bake until the top is crispy and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean, with a few crumbs, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully position a rack about 6 inches from the broiler and preheat on low. Frost the brownie with ganache. Layer marshmallows across the top and toast under the broiler until golden, (keep an eye on it, it can go quick), about 2 minutes. Alternatively, you could torch the marshmallows with a kitchen torch, if you happen to have one handy. Cool on a rack. Cut into about 20 (2-inch) squares. You can add whipped cream and drizzle with caramel and/or chocolate sauce to garnish. 

Ganache topping

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate

1 c heavy cream  

Chop the chocolate in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Bring the cream to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat (or bring to a boil in the microwave.) 

Immediately pour the hot cream into the food processor, on top of the chocolate and let sit for 1 minute, then pulse the machine 3 times. Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula and pulse about 3 more times, until all the chocolate is melted. This smooth, silky chocolate is now ganache. Transfer the ganache to a bowl and refrigerate until cool. About 2 hours. Ganache can be prepared up to two weeks before use.

 

Blessings on Lindsey & Jayson's Wedding Today.

May God Bless You - Together Forever Here

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

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

Wanting Life - Set Aside as Holy

For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:19-21 

Sanctified, set apart, pure and holy. Jesus sanctified Himself. We can choose to do the same—to make decisions that result in purity and holiness. This wasn’t just for the disciples, but for everyone who believes in Jesus—even today. I’m concerned about people today—especially teens who can’t deal with life issues, seeing life as just not worth living. Angry. Depressed. There is no desire for holiness.  

It may be passive-aggressive behavior that drives teens over the edge. According to Dr. Ross Campbell in his book How to Really Love Your Teenager, passive-aggressive behavior doesn’t make logical sense. It is irrational. Those teens are motivated to upset their parents or authority figures in their lives and this may include committing suicide as an expression of their suppressed unresolved anger. If you have a child or teen with anger issues, deal with that as soon as possible before it becomes a lifetime habit. Dr. Campbell has an Anger Ladder that helps to guide parents with teaching or dealing with their children and teenagers’ expressions of anger.  

Dr. Campbell discusses adolescent depression stressing that depression needs to be identified before it causes a tragedy. It is not a normal teen behavioral phase. He suggests that depressed teens may be seeking attention, not really wanting to die when they attempt suicide. The stages of depression generally have no outward signs.

·         MILD  - somber fantasies, daydreams, dreams during sleep

·         MODERATE  - acts & talks normally – content speech dwells morbid/depressing subjects

·         PROFOUNDLY DEPRESSED – looks depressed / maybe smiling depressed if someone is watching

Showing love by spending time with the teen, or by identifying the way that they feel loved, is the best remedy for mild depression. Eye contact, physical contact, and focused attention are meaningful ways to communicate love to teens. As a teen goes deeper into depression their thought process begins to be disturbed, and they begin to lose the ability to think clearly, logically and rationally. Medical help is mandatory at this point.  

Jesus taught that anger is normal—we just need to deal with it. It is acceptable to “deal” with anger in a verbal way—no physical abuse. We are to not let the sun go down on our anger… be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger….Ephesians 4:26. With anger out of our lives…or dealt with…we are closer to being holy. 

RSVP: Jesus has sanctified Himself and wants for us to be sanctified, too. How will you respond to His message today?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, You are holy. Please guide and direct me, my family and friends that we would make good choices that would be pleasing to You. Especially help the teens in my neighborhood and community to seek You and not be consumed by anger or oppressed by depression. Help them to choose life—an abundant life that You offer.

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

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

Protect Us from Evil

I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. John 17:15-18 

Jesus wants God the Father to protect His disciples and His followers. We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19.  We have comforting and encouraging words throughout the scripture, like this one in Second Thessalonians. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3. We need to do our part by being obedient to God. …taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16. That is part of putting on the armor of God, which we should do spiritually every day.

Do you understand sanctification? To sanctify means to set aside—to become pure. It is a process. It begins with the filling of the Holy Spirit…and it continues daily as we seek the Lord and His Holiness in our lives. Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23. It is one of those theological concepts that may be hard to understand—but worthy of your search for it. Romans 6 has a lot to say about sanctification. Start there. But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. Romans 6:22. The verse in Matthew that talks about seeking God first in your life is good. It is a good reminder to me, too. Seek God first…every morning, every day. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (clothing, food, drink) will be added to you. Matthew 6:33. Are you seeking God first in your life? 

RSVP: Jesus is asking the Heavenly Father to protect you from the evil one. Satan. Are you seeking God and being faithful to Him? Are you putting on your armor of God today, including that shield of faith? How will you respond to Jesus’ message today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, protect us from the evil one as we put on the full armor of God, so that we will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:11-12) Open our eyes to see the battles that are raging around us…that we can call on You and your angels to help us in our time of need.

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

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

Have Some Joy

But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. John 17:13-14 

Jesus wants everyone to have His joy—full and complete. Trouble is not everyone in the world wants to live by Jesus’ words. They’d rather hate God’s words and His people. Everyone has the selfish gene…the one passed on by Adam and Eve. “I’ll do it MY way.” Little do some stubborn people realize that even if they hate, God loves them.  How do you feel about that?  

RSVP: Jesus is offering His joy. How will you respond to Him today? Can you share and show His joy in your life—even if the world hates you? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, hate and love are so opposite…and yet they seem to coexist. Love is not in the world without hate. Love is Your joy. For forty-two years Jerry and I have experience Your joy in our marriage. Sure there have been times that were less than joyful…but we know that You are always with us…and will never leave or forsake us. Please continue to fill us with Your joy…love and peace. Guide our hearts, minds, words and actions that we would bring You glory. We will never leave You…or forsake You or each other. 

Happy Anniversary to my husband, Jerry.

You are dear to my heart.

May God continue to bless us as we seek and serve Him.

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

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

 

Asking

I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them.  John 17:9-10 

Jesus is selective here…not the whole world…just His disciples. I would assume that includes all His followers throughout the ages. Not everyone chooses to follow Jesus…but God has given specific people to Jesus. The whole world has a choice…choose Jesus and everlasting life or choose not to follow Jesus—and that mean everlasting death. That is pretty clear in the Bible when God uses angels as an example. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly; ... then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment…. 2 Peter 2:4-5,9. We won’t be treated any differently than the angels. Those who sin and not repent will go into the pits of darkness forever. That makes a “repent” message, whether from Jesus, John the Baptist, or a local preacher, very convincing. Repent—turn away from the wrong and acknowledge that you’ve done wrong. I have to do that regularly—like almost every day. I’ve heard of people that make a list at the end of their day and confess to God anything that they just have not done right. God doesn’t expect us to keep a long list…in fact He wants us to keep a short list. Don’t wait until the end of the day. Life is short and things change quickly.  Let God know moment by moment that you want to live His way. 

RSVP:  Jesus is reminding us that we belong to our Heavenly Father, as well as to Him. What an awesome thought. How will you respond to His words today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, thank you for revealing Yourself to me—as one given to You by our Heavenly Father. Guide and protect my family and friends and help us to make good decisions—moment by moment—always keeping God’s word in our thoughts, words and actions.

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

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

They Believed

Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. John 17:7-8  

They believed. That was a big step for the disciples to take. Most of us take the Bible for granted. It is a book that was written more than a couple of thousand years ago and neatly compiled for us to read. The disciples didn’t have that advantage. The scripture was on scrolls stored in special vestiges in the Jewish synagogues. Not everyone had a copy sitting on a shelf in their home. Yet as Jesus taught the disciples, they believed. What does it take for someone to “believe” today? 

RSVP: Jesus is telling us that He was sent to earth by God the Father…and that what He spoke was what the Heavenly Father wanted Him to say. Are you listening to His words today? How will you respond to what you hear? 

Prayer ~ Heaven Father, thank you for giving us Your Son, Your Words, and helping us to understand how much You love us.

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

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

Jesus Accomplished His Work

I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. John 17:4-6       

Even before He went to the cross, Jesus acknowledged that He had accomplished the work that god the Father had given Him to do. Jesus knew what He came to do—to give glory to the Father as the blind received sight, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed, and the deaf received their hearing, the dead were raised up, and the poor had the gospel preached to them. Luke 7:22. Jesus taught the disciples about His Father and they kept His word. Does that mean that they followed the Ten Commandments? That is God’s Word…as is Jesus commandment to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength…and to love our neighbor as ourselves. That is a big accomplishment. Can we say that about ourselves? 

RSVP: Jesus is giving God glory. Can you do the same? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, You taught Your disciples and us to pray… this way: Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13.We give God the glory!

Welcome Summer!

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

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

This is Eternal Life….

This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3

 

Know God—Know Jesus Christ. Do You know Him? What is “eternal life” to you?

 

RSVP: Jesus is explaining eternal life—knowing God and knowing Jesus Christ. Himself. How will you respond to His message today?

 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, to know You is to love You. Just as God loved the world enough to send You to earth, I grasp that knowledge and hang onto the truth that You are God’s Son, and my Savior. You not only offer eternal life—You are eternal life.

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Since we’ve just had Father’s Day, I’d like to share my Dad’s favorite recipe. He always had some of these cookies baked and ready for the grandkids…and all of us…when we came to visit.

 

Grandpa Reuben’s Molasses Crinkles

2¼ cups flour

1 tsp soda

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

½ tsp cloves

1 cup brown sugar

¾ cup oil

1/3 cup molasses

1 egg

Granulated sugar 

Stir together dry ingredients and set aside. Cream brown sugar, oil, molasses and egg. Mix in the dry ingredients. Shape into balls. Dip into granulated sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees, 8-12 minutes. Do not over bake. Makes 4½ to 5 dozen. Store in a Tupperware container. Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

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

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

Glory-Glory

Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life." John 17:1-2 

The goal for Jesus coming to earth was eternal life for mankind. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16. We all have goals—even if we don’t realize it. If we think we don’t have a goal…the goal is negative, nothing…and it may result in failure. God has plans for us…For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. A future with hope. That “hope” is in eternal life…life forever with Jesus. It begins when we establish a relationship with Him…we don’t have to wait until we die and go to Heaven. It begins now! That is reason to shout “Glory.” That should glorify God the Father and Jesus, His Son and our Savior. Do I hear you shouting “GLORY”?  

RSVP:  Glory, Glory, Glory. Merciful and Mighty. God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity. Jesus is offering glory to His Father. Will you join Him today in glorifying the Father?  

Prayer ~ Jesus—I join You today, and every day, in offering glory unto the Father. I praise You that You were obedient to our Heavenly Father…and I ask that You would help me to be obedient, too, to Your will and Your way.

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

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

Scattered

Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.  John 16:32-33 

Just after Jesus spoke these words Jewish temple authorities or servants and about 300-600 Roman army soldiers arrived to arrest Him. He was telling His disciples that He would not be alone…God the Father would be with Him. He was preparing them—instilling peace and courage in their hearts. They would have some tough days ahead of them, but they would have the peace of Jesus to guard and guide them. We have Jesus’ promise...For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 NKJV. That is a promise that I call on every day. It gives me peace. Do you ever claim that promise? Does it give you peace? 

RSVP: Jesus is reminding us today that He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5 NKJV). How will you respond to Jesus’ reminder today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I claim Your promise once again—and I promise You that I will not leave or forsake You, too. Help me share and show Your love to others that they would know and claim Your promise, too.

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

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

Do You Believe…Now? Do You Now Believe?

His disciples said, "Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? " John 16:29-31 

This scripture is so straight forward. The disciples acknowledged that Jesus came from God and Jesus asked them if they believed. Is just “believing” enough? God’s word tells us…You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. James 2:19. Read this following passage from 1^st Peter that should encourage you in your salvation—and help you encourage others as you guide them to believe in Jesus as their own Lord and Savior—even though we don’t see Jesus as the disciples did.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 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, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9.

Faith. Faith to believe in Jesus as our Savior—and as God—even though we can’t see Him face to face until we get to Heaven. Can you believe without seeing?  

RSVP: Jesus is telling us, like His disciples, that He came from God—from Heaven. He asked them if they believed. He’s asking you the same question…Do you now believe? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, even though we have trials in life—merely little bumps in the road—we know that You are with us. We have faith in You. That faith brings us joy and hopefully brings You glory. We praise and honor You, for You are worthy.

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

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

Tell Me About Your Father….

In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. John 16:23-25  

Yesterday was Father’s Day in the United States. Some other countries celebrate and honor fathers on different days than the third Sunday in June. So tell me about your father…. Did/does he believe in God? Is/was he respectful of your mother…you, or your siblings? Was he encouraging to you as you were growing up? Did he have a sense of humor? Did you respect him? 

Jesus had a deep respect for His Father…our Heavenly Father. He knew Him well and it was obvious that the Heavenly Father also respected His Son. Ask for anything in Jesus’ name and you will receive it so that you will be filled with joy. Anything? That’s what Jesus said.

-          Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:19

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

-          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

So ask away—but look also at your motives when you ask. Is it for yourself, your prosperity? Will it be helpful to others? 

RSVP: Jesus is offering to give you whatever you want. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus—the things I want are health for family and friends, particularly thinking of Sarah Stallcup. Give her doctors wisdom. Touch her body, healing her of this gallstone issue. Provide for the needs of her, Bob, and their adorable children. Where there is hope—there is joy. Give us all a joyful spirit. We praise You, Lord, and thank you that You always hear our prayers.

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

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

Keep Your Joy

Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. John 16:22 

No one will take your joy away from you! Joy occurs 182 times in the NASB version of the Bible. That is a lot of joy. Here are a few from Psalms to encourage us to have joy in our hearts and lives.

-          You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalms 16:11

-          Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Psalms 51:12

-          For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. Psalms 63:7

-          For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands. Psalms 92:4

-          O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Psalms 95:1

-          I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart. Psalms 119:111

The joy of the Lord is my strength…as in Nehemiah 8:10, for just as it says in Philippians 4:13,  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Can I...? Suffer—yes. Encourage—yes. Rest and Restore—yes. Have joy in times of sorrow—yes. All things? Yes, I think I can because I know that Jesus will never leave me or forsake me…and He will be there to always give me joy and strength. Do you know that He is there for you, too? Are you willing to accept His help? Can you be filled with His joy? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to be filled with His joy—to sing praises to Him. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, please restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. A spirit willing to submit to you and to be obedient to your calling. I can do all things through You, as You give me the strength. Thank you for loving me enough to die for me, that I can live for You.

 

Happy Father's Day!

 

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

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

Children Gathering Around Jesus

And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, "Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."  Luke 18:15-17  

I sat by a campfire contemplating this scripture and thought about how the flame is like Jesus and His love. Those coming to Him, like the children that were brought to Him, soon all have the same warmth, glowing. In the fire there were embers that fell away, separated from the main fire they burned for a while and then their glow went out. Hindered in their growth—no love. 

Like the disciples who didn’t want the children brought to Jesus, there are just some people who don’t like children. Don’t they remember being a child? Children are often full of energy and even with training, they can be downright obnoxious. Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. During “training” they can be very challenging. They do have a mind and will of their own—I did. I recall being a noisy child and my grandfather “shushing” me. Jesus said that people need to come to Him, like a child. Humble. Children believe easily…they may have questions—but they trust and see Jesus for who He is—God.  

RSVP: Jesus is offering the kingdom to those who believe, like little children. Unabashed. With their whole heart. Can you? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, I come to You, believing and asking You to help me come alongside my children to train my grandchildren in the way that they should go…following You. Believing in You with their whole heart, soul and mind.

HAPPY 2^ND BIRTHDAY – Sweet Lydia.

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

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