Sign of the Times

Now the Pharisees and Sadducees came up to Jesus, and they asked Him to show them a sign (spectacular miracle) from heaven [attesting His divine authority]. He replied to them, when it is evening you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red, and in the morning, it will be stormy today, for the sky is red and has a gloomy and threatening look.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and morally unfaithful generation craves a sign, but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. Then He left them and went away.  Matthew 16:1-4 Amplified

Give us a sign from Heaven. Those Pharisees were constantly testing Jesus. Signs. Jonah was a prophet who God sent to Nineveh to warn the Gentile people of that city that their ways were offensive to God and they needed to repent. The king and everyone in that city repented. But the Pharisees didn’t use the story of Jonah as a warning—a sign to them to change their ways—their attitudes. Today people are still looking for signs. Unfortunately the signs may not be from God, but from false prophets. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24. We need to be careful about looking for signs. False prophets can mislead people today. But the sky is showing us signs that have been interpreted as predictions for the future of Israel…and the world. Have you observed the blood moons and eclipses that have happened in this past year…and are you watching for future signs in the heavens? It says in Acts 2:20…'the sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord shall come. So instead of being entertained by television, computer games and videos…keep your eyes on the sky. We will have to watch and see. 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to watch for His return—to point others in the direction of His word and the sky. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, help us to focus our eyes and attention on You spiritually and on the sky above  us that we would be ready. For just as it says in Revelation, one day it will happen. Will it be in our lifetime? As John wrote in Revelation…I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood…. Revelation 6:12.  

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Cool days call for warm soup. Here’s a tasty one that uses a favorite fall vegetable: pumpkins.

Pumpkin-Curry Soup

1 sweet white onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped
¼ cup unsalted butter

½ tsp salt

Pepper to taste
2 tsp spicy curry powder
3 cups chicken broth
3 cups pumpkin, cooked and mashed, or canned
2 cups half and half or milk depending on fat content you want

Melt butter and cook onion and garlic. Stir in the curry, salt, and pepper and cook for one minute.

Add the broth and pumpkin bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.

Stir in milk just before serving.

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

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

More Leftovers

And the disciples said to Him, Where are we to get bread sufficient to feed so great a crowd in this isolated and desert place? And Jesus asked them, “How many loaves of bread do you have?” They replied, “Seven, and a few small fish.” And ordering the crowd to recline on the ground, He took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they gathered up seven [large provision] baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. Those who ate were 4,000 men, not including the women and the children. Matthew 15:33-38 Amplified 

Four thousand men and their families. That could be twelve to seventeen or more thousand people. That would take a lot of provisions. This was an amazing miracle to feed so many from seven loaves of bread and a few fish. And the people were satisfied—no one went away hungry. There were more leftovers—seven baskets full—than the initial numbers of loaves and fishes. What do you suppose became of the leftovers? That was a feast in the making. Did feeding these people bring them to believe in Jesus as the Messiah? Did it bring them into a “relationship” with Him? What does it take to bring people to Jesus—then or now? 

RSVP: Jesus has invited you to partake in this feast with 4,000 men and their families. How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer ~ Thank you, Jesus, that You met the needs so compassionately of that great multitude by healing and feeding them. May You continue showing Your compassion today to the multitude who turn to You in prayer—pleading for Your touch, healing provision for them, their families and friends. 

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

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

Nothing To Eat

Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, I have pity and sympathy and am deeply moved for the crowd, because they have been with Me now three days and they have nothing [at all left] to eat; and I am not willing to send them away hungry, lest they faint or become exhausted on the way. Matthew 15:32 Amplified 

Pity. Compassion. Jesus felt compassion for  the great multitude that came to Him for healing (Matthew 15:30-31). He had already healed probably thousands—and they had been with Him for three days with probably very little to eat during that time. Now—nothing to eat. Jesus didn’t want them to faint on their way home. Was He testing His disciples? He had already fed five thousand men and their families. What would you have done if you had been there? 

RSVP: Jesus was offering compassion to this multitude of followers to whom He had just ministered. He offers us the same compassion and spiritual food.  

Prayer ~ Feed me, Jesus. Fill me with fresh spiritual insight that I might be a better servant with You—reaching out to the lost and broken.

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

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

Crumbs From the Master’s Table

But she came and, kneeling, worshiped Him and kept praying, Lord, help me! And He answered, It is not right (proper, becoming, or fair) to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs. She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the little pups (little whelps) eat the crumbs that fall from their [young] masters’ table.  Then Jesus answered her, O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you wish. And her daughter was cured from that moment. Matthew 15:25-28 Amplified 

Crumbs. My grandchildren create a lot of crumbs which fall to the floor. Years ago when my daughter and son-in-law had a dog, Madison, there were never any crumbs left after dinner. Madison took care of them all. Now—there are crumbs and someone has to sweep up. 

Crumbs—spiritual morsels that are shared with Gentiles. That is what this woman was after. A healing touch to deliver her daughter from demon possession. Jesus had been healing in all Galilee—and people were brought to Him from Syria, Decapolis, Jerusalem and Judea to be healed of various diseases, pain, and every kind of sickness including demon possession epilepsy and paralysis.

It wasn’t that Jesus wasn’t interested in healing Gentiles—but His focus was on the Hebrew people. He even sent His disciples out to serve and save the lost Israelites. (See Matthew 10:1-15). And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8.  

This Canaanite woman was rewarded for her persistence and faith. Jesus healed her daughter. This is shortly before a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. Watch for it.   

RSVP: Jesus is wanting to see if people have faith in Him—and to be like this woman persistently asking for His help. How would you rate your faith and trust in the Lord? How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer ~ Great is Your faithfulness, Lord (Deuteronomy 32:4). You are faithful to hear our prayers May we be faithful to seek You first in our lives (Matthew 6:33) and persistent to ask and thankful when we receive.

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

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

Sent to the House of Israel

Jesus said…I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Matthew 15:24 Amplified 

Lost sheep—in Israel. This is a country where you see sheep on the hillsides and shepherds tending or herding them along the roads. In this passage Jesus ignored the Gentile Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21-23), His disciples wanted her sent away—keep reading the scripture for the rest of the story. Jesus claimed at this point in His ministry to be there for the lost sheep—lost individuals of Israel. The lost Jews. They were the focus for Him. He wanted to save them—to guide them into the truth, that He was the truth, the way and the life. But do you think He could turn His back on anyone in need? 

RSVP: Jesus was reaching out to the lost sheep of Israel. Can you reach out to the lost in your neighborhood or community? How will you respond to Him or with Him?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, lead me in the paths of righteousness for Your name sake. Psalm 23:3

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

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

What Does It Mean?

And He said, Are you also even yet dull and ignorant [without understanding and unable to put things together]?  Do you not see and understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the abdomen and so passes on into the place where discharges are deposited? But whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what makes a man unclean and defiles [him]. For out of the heart come evil thoughts (reasonings and disputings and designs) such as murder, adultery, sexual vice, theft, false witnessing, slander, and irreverent speech.  These are what make a man unclean and defile [him]; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him unclean or defile [him]. Matthew 15:16-20 Amplified 

To eat with unwashed hands was offensive to the Pharisees. Hand washing was required by the Pharisees’ traditions. Eating with unwashed hands doesn’t make a person defiled, although it may make them sick. The true measure of defilement is what comes out of a person’s mouth—and their actions as guided by their heart, as listed in Galatians 5:19-21… Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  

Jesus explained the parable—His earlier teaching—to His disciples. He begins by asking them if they still don’t understand. Do we? It must have been disappointing to Jesus that His disciples just didn’t get it—didn’t understand His parables. This parable deals with heart issues. As a man thinks in his heart, so he is. Proverbs 23:7. So how is your heart? 

RSVP: Jesus is appealing to us to have pure hearts—and to treat others with respect that we, believing in Him would inherit the Kingdom of God. How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer ~ Once again, Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10) that I would live a life pleasing to You.

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

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

Offended?

Then the disciples came and said to Him, Do You know that the Pharisees were displeased and offended and indignant when they heard this saying?  He answered, Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be torn up by the roots.  Let them alone and disregard them; they are blind guides and teachers. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a ditch. Matthew 15 12-14 Amplified 

Pharisees offended! Why would the disciples care about the Pharisees? Very noble of them to feel that way. Jesus wasn’t concerned about the Pharisees feelings. He knew they were not following our Heavenly Father—and were leading those who were also not seeking to live lives pleasing to God. 

Are you ever offended at Jesus’ words—His teachings? May it never be. If the Holy Spirit is convicting you of something—that is a clue that you need to change your ways. Pray that Jesus—through the Holy Spirit give you insight to change your ways—to make your attitude acceptable to the Lord. 

RSVP: Jesus is telling His disciples and us to leave the hypocrites alone. Following Jesus and His teachings is a better way. How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer ~ Lord, please give me insight to discern the truth, the way—and the life. Your way to live and to follow Your path.

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

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

What Comes Out of Your Mouth?

It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth; this makes a man unclean and defiles [him]. Matthew 15:11 Amplified 

Food enters our mouths—but words come out. Food doesn’t defile us—although there are some people, like Jews, who won’t eat port, and others who won’t eat crickets. Remember the story of Peter of the rooftop—and the sheet descending from heaven filled with all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures and birds. Peter was told that what God has cleansed was no longer considered unholy (Acts 10:5-16). So it is not food that corrupts people but what they say—at least what the Pharisees were saying. Now days it maybe that someone hasn’t given God control of their tongue.

Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man’s nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna). For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature). But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness! Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so. Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water. James 3:5-122 Amplified.

The tongue used for cursing…may it never be…but it happens every day. Frustrated and disappointed people with no regard for God’s word swear. You hear it on TV and in movies—words that are offensive.  Jesus was speaking to the multitude in this Matthew passage—teaching them that it is what they say—not eat—that defiles them. 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to clean up our vocabulary—the words we speak that may not be edifying to Him or to others. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord. Psalm 19:14. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is pumpkin time of the year.  These cookies have been a fall favorite for years--they melt in your mouth. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup canned pumpkin

1 cup white sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped walnuts  

Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts. 

Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm. 

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

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

Do You Hear Me Speaking?

And Jesus called the people to Him and said to them, Listen and grasp and comprehend this. Matthew 15:10 Amplified 

Hear and understand—grasp and comprehend what Jesus is saying. The wold is such a noisy place. We have to focus our hearing on Jesus’ words to really HEAR Him. What is He saying to you? Do you understand Him? It is one thing to hear and another to process what you are hearing to truly understand. A useful thing to say to your children is “What did you hear me say?” using that after your instructions to them helps to clarify if they actually did HEAR what you said. Try it and see how well they heard you. I that same realm, what do you hear Jesus saying to you? 

RSVP: Jesus wants you to hear and understand what He is saying. Are you listening? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, open my ears to hear Your words—and to understand You. May I then apply Your words to my life—and live to please you.

Continue to bless our dear little Baby Honey. May she develop in perfect health. Give her parents and extended family and friends continued hope, peace and reassurance of Your love and grace.

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

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

 

Where is Your Heart?

You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: 'THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. 'BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'" Matthew 15:7-9 

Jesus calls the Pharisees and scribes “hypocrites” because they did just what Isaiah said as recorded in Isaiah 29:13…Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote….Tradition—tradition. That is what the Pharisees based their lives on…tradition. Isaiah 29:15 goes on to say…Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, And whose deeds are done in a dark place, And they say, "Who sees us?" or "Who knows us?" Isaiah 29:15. We can’t hide from God. Psalm 139:7-10 tells us…

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.

The Pharisees were indeed hypocrites saying one thing and doing another. Do we do the same? Do we honor God with our praises only on Sunday? On the rest of the week are our hearts far from Him? Be careful what you do and say—and what you teach your children by your actions. Don’t be a hypocrite like the Pharisees. God knows our hearts…thoughts and motives for our actions. 

RSVP: Jesus is calling us to be dedicated and truthful daily to Him—not to be hypocrites. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus create in me, my family and friends a clean heart and renew a right spirit in us (Psalm 51:10) that we would follow you whole heartedly—and not be hypocrites in anything we do and say.

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

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

Honor Your Father and Mother

God said, 'HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,' and, 'HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR MOTHER IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH.' "But you (Pharisees) say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God," he is not to honor his father or his mother.' And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition. Matthew 15:4-6

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you. Exodus 20:12

Honor your folks. For children that means to obey…teens, too. For us “older” kids, we need to take care of them—physically and spiritually. Anyone who dishonors father or mother must be put to death. Exodus 21:17 NLT. It is good to honor our parents…no matter who they are or what they have done…and to do so at some other time than Mother’s or Father’s Day. I was glad to see that my son-in-law and daughter recognized his Mom’s birthday this week…although she died just over a year ago. She was such a creative and talented lady…who was seeking to know God more. Life is short and usually unpredictable. Enjoy your family and loved ones—because you never know when life will be over. To honor your father and mother…honors God. How do you honor your father and mother?

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to obey His commandments rather than following traditions. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Father, we want to honor You by honoring our parents, those around us who are like parents to us, and our spiritual parents who guide and direct us using Your word, rather than traditions.

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

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

Wash Your Hands

Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, "Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." And He answered and said to them, "Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? Matthew 15:1-3 

Wash your hands. Did you wash your hands? How many times a day do you hear that?

 

Tradition. Tradition. God set guidelines for the handling of food as written in the books of Exodus and Leviticus—so that the Hebrew people would be protected from bacteria. It seems that the Pharisee and Jewish elders extended the guidelines into traditions that included washing ones hands before meals. At the Wedding in Cana, Jesus changed the water in the hand washing water vessels into wine--His first miracle. We know that that hand washing is a healthy habit to follow. The righteous Jews today still carry out hand washing traditions and even hotels in Jerusalem have hand washing stations specifically for this Jewish ritual.

Jesus goes on to question the Pharisee about breaking commandments to observe their traditions.  Do you follow healthy guidelines or traditions in your observance of God’s laws? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to follow God’s guidelines for caring for our bodies, as well as following His laws for our spirits. How will you respond to Him today?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, may I not be caught up in worldly tradition—but follow Your example to observe God’s laws that honor Him and You.

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

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

Lord, Save Me

Peter said to Him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." And He said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!" Matthew 14:28-33 

Can you imagine the trust that Peter felt as he started climbing out of the boat? Didn’t he feel the wind…and see the white caps on the Sea of Galilee? No. He was focusing on Jesus—his Lord and Master. The great Teacher. Then Peter felt the wind—not just a little breeze. He saw those white caps and was frightened that he would drown before he got to Jesus. "Lord, save me!" That is just what we call out to Jesus when we get a little worried—when we doubt. Save me—help me. Those who stayed in the boat, worshiped. They could see the miracle of Jesus walking on the water—and didn’t feel compelled to go out and join Him. He would be to the boat soon enough. They could see that He was God’s Son. He had power that no one else had. He could walk on water. If you were there, would you have been getting out of the boat with Peter, or staying in the boat and worshiping Jesus as He walked toward the boat? 

RSVP: Jesus is challenging us to have faith. Don’t doubt that He can help you. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear God—if ever I doubt, help my unbelief. I trust You—Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit—to work miracles in my life and in that of my family, friends, and neighbors. I worship You in spirit and in truth. May You guide and direct us all as we trust and worship You.

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

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

Take Courage and Do Not Be Afraid

But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Matthew 14:24-27  

Jesus told His disciples to “Take courage…and do not be afraid.” We can do the same. Listen to Jesus—hear His voice telling us not to be afraid—but to have courage.  That would mean that we need to trust Him to take care of us. To be brave—and not wimpy. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, on God, on the Holy Spirit—knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us, then it is a lot easier to trust Him—to put our faith in Him. This story occurred in the middle of the night…when it was dark and likely spooky out on the water, but Jesus told His disciples not to be afraid. They just needed to trust Him. The same goes for us. Can you trust Him to be who He says He is and to rely on Him to take care of you, physically and spiritually? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to trust Him. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus—I trust You with my life…and with that of my family and friends. May always guide and protect us from the evil one…and his schemes.

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

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

Prayer Alone

After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. Matthew 14:23 

Jesus was such a good example to us. He taught us to pray (see Matthew 6:5-13) and then showed us that it is important to spend time alone with God. He went up on the mountain by Himself. He didn’t even drag along a few disciples. He went alone. To develop a close relationship with God, we need to spend time alone with Him on a regular basis. Devotions everyday will help you learn more about God—getting into His word. Then you need to consider spending a longer time…an hour, a half-day or even a full day where you concentrate just on God. Pray. Think about Him…His names and attributes. If we want God’s attention and mercy…it tells us in Malachi 3:16… Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. "They will be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." Malachi 3:16-17. Honor God with your attention and focused prayer. Pray scripture back to the Lord…and wait on Him for an answer to your prayers. You can use your time alone with God to pray intercessory prayers, as well as praise and thanksgiving prayers. A good resource for guidance on spending time alone with God—focusing on a day of prayer—is an article by the Navigators on how to spend extended time in prayer” http://www.navigators.org/About-Us/Stories/Navigator%20Stories/March%202006/How%20to%20Spend%20Extended%20Time%20in%20Prayer

Prayer—communicating with God—is so important in developing a relationship with Him. Jesus knew that and He spent time alone with God—our Heavenly Father. Do you? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to spend time alone in prayer with God. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus—I want to honor You, the Heavenly Father, and the precious Holy Spirit with my prayers and attention today. May all that I do and say bring glory to You. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

If you are going to spend a day or even a half day in prayer…take along some food—first for your spirit, i.e. your Bible—and then for your body. But keep it simple. Make yourself a turkey, ham and cheese wrap—with some good mustard and cream cheese, some romaine lettuce and julienned apple slices or dried craisins. Wrap it up and take along a dill pickle, some chips and maybe a cookie, along with a couple of bottles of water. Feasting on God’s word will be more important than any food—so keep your focus on Jesus. Imagine His focus on the Heavenly Father when He prayed…and do likewise.

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

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

No Power in Unbelief

And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family." And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:57-58 NLT 

The people in Nazareth knew that Jesus as a boy and young man growing up in Joseph and Mary’s home and they just didn’t believe that He had the power. Power to heal. He didn’t do many miracles there because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58). My sister-in-law, Evelyn, was having some gallbladder issues and a visit to a doctor here in the States also revealed a cyst on her liver so she went home to the Philippines for medical care. Her cousin there told her about a marvelous faith healer who had healed people from Russia, Sweden, Australia, and all over the Philippines.  So believing that this healer could help her, Evelyn went to see her. No surgery needed now. Her faith has made her well! Faith that the healer could heal her…and faith that the Holy Spirit was working through this faith healer. She is well! Praise the Lord! If the people of Nazareth had believed in the power of Jesus to heal—they would have seen many miracles there, too. Do you have faith to believe that Jesus can heal you?   

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to trust Him…to have faith that He can heal us physically and spiritually. Will you trust Him today? 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I trust You. You are still the great physician. You said…"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:17. We all need Your healing touch in some way. Thank You for caring enough about us to heal us and set us free from disease—spiritually and physically.

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

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

Where Did He Learn?

Then they scoffed, "He's just the carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers--James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?" Matthew 13:55-56 NLT

Where did Jesus learn…where did He get His wisdom and power? When He was just twelve and went to Jerusalem it was recognized that He was very smart. His parents started back to Nazareth without Him and then went back to Jerusalem when they discovered He wasn’t with them. ... after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. …Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2: 46-47, 52.  Jesus is wisdom. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption…. 1 Corinthians 1:30. Where did He learn all these things? He has known the wisdom of the ages and the power of the universe since He created it. He may have appeared to just be the carpenter’s son…but He is so much more. Who is He to you? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to understand Him more deeply—to gain His wisdom for ourselves. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Lord Jesus, give us insight into Your wisdom and You ways. Guide our thoughts, words and actions as we trust You with all our hearts. We will not lean on our own understanding, but in all our ways we acknowledge You, knowing that You will make our paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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

Miraculous Power

When Jesus had finished these parables (these comparisons), He left there. And coming to His own country [Nazareth], He taught in their synagogue so that they were amazed with bewildered wonder, and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” Matthew 13:53-54 Amplified   

Where did this Man, Jesus, get His wisdom and power? Miraculous power! From where on earth did His power and wisdom originate? Maybe the answer is in Heaven?! Jesus taught in their synagogue—and at the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, "You both know Me and know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent Me." John 7:28-29. God the Father is the One who sent Jesus. His wisdom has existed forever. In the beginning the Word (another name for Jesus) already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. John 1:1-4 NLT. Jesus is Wisdom—Power—Creator…and the ultimate Teacher.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to know Him…to have faith, to trust His wisdom and power. Will you trust Him today? 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I am amazed at Your miraculous wisdom and power. The great power and wisdom that You have from Heaven—that has always existed with You and with our Heavenly Father.

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

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

 

Do You Understand?

Have you understood all these things [parables] taken together? They said to Him, Yes, Lord.  He said to them, “Therefore every teacher and interpreter of the Sacred Writings who has been instructed about and trained for the kingdom of heaven and has become a disciple is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse treasure that is new and [treasure that is] old [the fresh as well as the familiar].” Matthew 13:51-52 Amplified

Do you understand? The parables have hidden knowledge—do you understand? Knowledge is like a treasure—something to get and hold onto it tightly. To understand is sometimes more than just getting the knowledge—it is the ability to comprehend and apply it to your life. Jesus spoke to people in parables so that only those who understood could apply it to their lives. Are you among His chosen people? Do you understand?   

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to look at His word and see if you understand what He is saying. How will you respond to Him?

Prayer ~ Jesus, open my eyes and ears to see and hear and understand Your words.

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

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

Celebrate! Christmas in October

Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:8  

I just celebrated Christmas with my extended family—in October. We usually get together the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but this year we got together a bit earlier. My sister and her husband got married 25 years ago…and then they were killed eight weeks later. So in honor of them we gathered to celebrate their anniversary…and Christmas. Jesus IS the reason for the season…and the reason for everyday! Celebrate! Celebrate the feast! The FEAST of Christmas. The Jews celebrated the Jewish festivals with feasts as God directed Moses to instruct them. Our celebrations are festivals—but with a different emphasis—Jesus. For our family this weekend it was nice to get-together and party with the emphasis on Jesus and family relationships—not secular emphasis. Try it—celebrate Jesus at a different time of the year than December 25^th. The emphasis will be where you place it. What would you do to celebrate Jesus? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to celebrate Him every day! How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer: Dear Jesus—we celebrate Your birth and Your life. You are the reason for every day…for life. We love You.

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

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

Parables Fulfilled

These things all taken together Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, without a parable He said nothing to them. This was in fulfillment of what was spoken by the prophet: I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things that have been hidden since the foundation of the world. Matthew 13:34-35 Amplified

Jesus was quoting Psalm 78:2-3. 

Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. Psalm 78:1-4

This wasn’t a new concept—it was predicted there in Psalms that He would speak in parables. There were lots of other predictions about Jesus that came true…from His humble birth—to His glorious resurrection. And some day He will be coming back to take His church to Heaven—that is predicted, too. The disciples asked Jesus about His return. As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" Matthew 24:3. Continue reading in Matthew 24 for Jesus’ response. It includes…"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. ... "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Matthew 24:14, 29-31. 

Paul wrote about the end times in his letter to the Corinthians. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. We will be changed—but we have to be changed here on earth first—to believe in Jesus as the Son of God if we are to experience Heaven at all.  

RSVP: Can you believe that Jesus is coming back? How will you respond to Him and this promise of His return? 

Prayer ~ Jesus Christ, Lord and Master, I hear Your parables and know that You are giving us wisdom through those words. Continue to speak to me, to my family, friends and neighbors—that we would be blessed to be a blessing to others. Thank You for Your promises. I eagerly await Your return.

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

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

Leaven

He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like leaven (sour dough) which a woman took and covered over in three measures of meal or flour till all of it was leavened. Matthew 13:33 Amplified 

This parable would have spoken to women who could associate the kingdom of heaven with the leaven used in making bread. Leaven is mixed into the dough made up of flour, salt and water. The leaven makes the dough rise. Likewise as the gospel is hidden in people’s heart it grows and changes their hearts. Such is the Kingdom of Heaven. It permeates people’s hearts and lives—making them aware of God’s Kingdom and the way that God wants us to live. Leaven is sometimes referred to as sin…but in this parable it is not sin, but used to show how God’s Kingdom spreads within a person’s heart…and within a community. Has leaven been hidden in your heart? 

RSVP: Jesus is continuing to speak in parables. Has leaven been placed into your heart? How will you respond to Jesus today? 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, allow Your gospel to grow in my heart and life and for Your love to spread to my family, friends and neighbors. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Thinking about leaven and bread brings to mind this Portuguese Sweet Rolls. 

Portuguese Sweet Rolls

½ cup warm potato water (105 degrees F) – from cooking the potato

2 tablespoons (or 2 pkg) instant yeast
½ cup warm milk

½ cup mashed potato

¼ cup melted, unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon grated lemon or orange peel

4½ to 5 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add yeast to the potato water. Let sit about five minutes. Add all of the remaining ingredients, adding the 4½ cups of flour last, stirring until the dough starts to leave the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, or until it's smooth and shiny. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow the dough to rise till puffy though not necessarily doubled in bulk, about 90 minutes, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.  

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, and divide it into 24 pieces. Round each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls in a lightly greased 12 x 12-inch (sticky bun) pan, or equivalent (two 9-inch round pans, a 9 x 13-inch pan.) Cover the pan, and allow the rolls to rise for about 1 hour and doubled in bulk.

Bake the rolls in a preheated 325°F oven for 30 minutes, tenting lightly with aluminum foil after the first 20 minutes. Remove them from the oven when they're golden brown, and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 24 rolls.

hApPy bIrThDaY – Mary Ellen! Blessings~

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

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

The Kingdom of Heaven

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. Matthew 13:44-48 

Jesus spoke to His disciples and followers about the Kingdom of Heaven in several parables. Here He refers to the treasure or the pearl of great worth and the fish that are going—or not going—to heaven. Heaven is a treasure worth seeking. The disciples asked Him about the kingdom. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4. Kids can be so bold and honest. My 5 year old grandson, Isaac, and 2 year old granddaughter, Lydia, were at the neighborhood park nearby, climbing on the play equipment.  Another little girl a couple of years older than Isaac was playing there too. Isaac said to her, “My name is Isaac, and this is my sister, Lydia. Do you believe in God?” She answered him, “We don’t go to church?” So Isaac says, “Well, why don’t you.” She ran off. Now that is bold. The seed is planted that other kids do go to church and do believe in God. He’s that kid that Jesus was talking about. How about you?   

RSVP: Jesus has described the Kingdom of Heaven. Did you hear Him? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, the disciples wanted to know who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Isn’t that You? You are awesome and the treasure of Heaven worth seeking. Thank you for the Your revelation and insights into God’s Kingdom.

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

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

Seeing Eyes, Hearing Ears

But blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are your eyes because they do see, and your ears because they do hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men [men who were upright and in right standing with God] yearned to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.  Matthew 13:16-17 Amplified 

Jesus spoke in parables that people in His time could understand…sheep, farming, hospitality. But some of the people still didn’t see, hear or understand. Jesus was giving instruction and guidance at a spiritual level. Will people today understand any better? Our society today is at such a temporal level. Worldly orientated—not focusing on spiritual matters. Just entertainment…TV, movies, sports, video games and internet exploring. Are your eyes and ears blessed because you see spiritual things that Jesus has taught? He spoke to His disciples—but the message is the same for us. Do we need discernment so that we can understand what He was teaching? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to open your eyes and ears to see and hear not only His words, but to open your heart to Him and understand what He is teaching. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, open my eyes and ears to see and hear Your words…and give me discernment and understanding that I can apply it to my life. Bless my family, friends, and neighbors with this understanding also that their lives would be focused on You. Give us all the desire to live to please You.

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

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

Why Parables?

Then the disciples came to Him and said, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And He replied to them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has [spiritual knowledge], to him will more be given and he will be furnished richly so that he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is the reason that I speak to them in parables: because having the power of seeing, they do not see; and having the power of hearing, they do not hear, nor do they grasp and understand.”  Matthew 13:10-13 Amplified  

Why parables? Why did Jesus teach in parables? He tells us in this scripture passage that the parables give spiritual knowledge to those who understand and those who don’t understand—just loose out. They don’t see, hear or understand.  That’s how it is today, too. Those who understand spiritual things get more comprehension of God’s kingdom, His will and His way. Those who are blinded or deaf to spiritual things just go on about their way…and don’t have any regard for God’s ways or maybe even God’s family. How do you feel about the stories that Jesus told? Do they make sense to you?

He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:15. If you want more understanding of God…His ways, His mercy, His love and the home He has created in heaven, just ask. Pray for understanding. Jesus told His disciples…"and all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Matthew 21:22.  

RSVP: Jesus spoke in parables. Listen closely. How will you respond to His words today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I read Your words—I see Your message. Help me to hear and understand—and share this knowledge with others—that they would see, hear and understand. Give us wisdom.

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

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

End of Sermon on the Mount – Are You Amazed?

When Jesus had finished these sayings [the Sermon on the Mount], the crowds were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His teaching, for He was teaching as One Who had [and was] authority, and not as [did] the scribes.  Matthew 7:28-29 Amplified 

Jesus finished His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount there by the Sea of Galilee. In this He was teaching His followers and His disciples about the way of righteous living and the righteousness of God, not about salvation. This is still applicable today.  When you read Matthew chapters 5-7 are you amazed or astonished as the crowd who heard Jesus speak? Do you follow Jesus’ teachings when it comes to His laws of murder reconciliation, adultery, divorce, oaths, nonresistance or love? (Matthew 5:17-48) Do you pray, give, fast, or avoid anxiety as He taught? Do you judge…or not judge? Do you have a foundation in Jesus Christ for your life? (Matthew 6-7).  

RSVP: Jesus has authority given to Him by God the Father. He taught His followers two thousand years ago how to live righteously, and that applies to us today. How will you respond to His teaching today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, You may have been finished teaching that multitude of people there at the hillside near Chorazin, but Your teachings are so very important to me—to help me and my family and friends live in a way that is pleasing to You…and our Heavenly Father. Thank you.

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

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