Jesus’ Prophesy

Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—

the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the Spirit of counsel and might,

the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. Isaiah 11:1-4 NLT

There are numerous prophesies about Jesus in the Bible—between 44 and 300 have been noted. Most have been fulfilled and some are still to come. This passage in Isaiah is about Jesus—noting that He is in the family of David. Most important part of these verses to me is that the Spirit of the Lord…the Holy Spirit…would rest on Him. Wisdom, understanding and knowledge come from the Spirit, and what better council that of Jesus’ mind and heart. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are bound together. In my search for the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament it is interesting to see this emphasis of the Spirit of the Lord—the Holy Spirit—being put on Jesus. A binding of two parts of the Trinity—actually all three since it indicates that Jesus will be glad to obey the Lord—meaning the Father. How encouraging that Jesus will not judge on appearance or on what others say. But He will judge! Rich or poor, we will be judged. The earth will be shaken. That is a prediction that hasn’t happened yet. Are you ready?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—reign down on me with Your mercy and love. Please give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding that I may live in a way that is pleasing to You and encouraging to others.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Teach Me

Answer me quickly, O LORD, my spirit fails; do not hide Your face from me, or I will become like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; for I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul. Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; I take refuge in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble. Psalm 143:7-11   

Teach me…lead me. Lead me on level ground. David was asking to be lead on level ground—not uphill out of the depths of his despair or the pit. That would have been a reasonable request since David had enemies…and his own sins to confess that left him feeling in the pits. He was seeking the Holy Spirit to guide him. Only the righteousness of God Himself could change things for David. How about you? Are you willing to trust the Holy Spirit guide you in His righteousness—to show you the right path to walk?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, teach me how I should walk in a way that is pleasing to You…even if it needs to be uphill. As long as You are with me…Your righteousness will bring my soul peace.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

One of my favorite cookies is a spicy ginger cookie that a friend of mine made around Christmas time. Hope you enjoy this cookie. It may even spice up the football game menu. 

Three Ginger Cookies

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup minced crystallized ginger

2 teaspoons baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar

1 large egg

¼ cup molasses

1½ Tablespoons finely grated fresh peeled ginger

2 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground cloves

1/3 cup sugar

Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour, crystallized ginger, baking soda, and salt in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until creamy and light, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in brown sugar. Beat for a couple of minutes on medium-high speed until creamy. Add egg, molasses, fresh ginger, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Beat to blend. Add flour mixture in 2 additions, beating on low speed just to blend between additions.

Place 1/3 cup sugar in small bowl. Measure 1 tablespoon dough. Roll into ball between palms of hands, then roll in sugar in bowl to coat; place on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining cookie dough, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.

Bake cookies until surfaces crack and cookies are firm around edges but still slightly soft in center, about 10-12 minutes. Cool completely on sheets on rack. DO AHEAD: Cookies can be made up to 4 days ahead. Store in airtight containers at room temperature. Enjoy—though they won’t last long.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Where Can I Go?

O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? Psalm 139:1-7  

God—in the form of the Holy Spirit—knows us well. He knows our thoughts and words—even before we speak them. That is what this Psalm tells us. I’m guessing He knows us better than we know ourselves. Scary thought. But that is balanced out with the comfort that David offers in this Psalm that God goes before and behind us—that is security. His hand is upon us. Where can we go to get away from His Holy Spirit? Do we want to run away from Him—to flee from His presence? Maybe sometimes…but it is better to seek Him, find Him and set things right than to run away. Just knowing that He cares about me, my family, my friends, and well…everyone—is overwhelming. Not that He just cares…He loves us so deeply that He’s intervened in our lives—and Jesus gave His mortal life so that we can spend our eternal life with Him. Where can you go from His Spirit? Why would you want to go away from Him? Think about it.  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, search us and know us. Guide our hearts, thoughts and words that we would seek You, find You, not run from You, but accept all that You have to offer us—a rich and abundant life.

Happy 89th Birthday Auntie Merc!

Blessings and Love Always.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Refresh Us

You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the ground. Psalm 104:30 

This Psalm, likely written by David, parallels Genesis 1 and gives God the praise for the nature He created. God sent His Spirit—the Holy Spirit—out across the earth to create all of nature—plants and animals. What a glorious creation we have! Creation continues to be glorious. It won’t be long until we’ll have trees and flowers blooming! Spring is such a magnificent time of the year—reflecting the very power and grace of God. Winter—although we have storms now—will be over and spring will burst forth—showing that God still cares about us in all the diversity of the plants He created that so magnificently show off their impressive variations in the spring. Ahhh. Just looking forward to spring can give us joy amidst the weather reports of inches of snow falling across our nation now! Rejoice and be glad. The Spirit is still moving across the earth—renewing and refreshing…plants, animals and us! 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—revive, refresh and renew us with Your power and grace.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Life From God

[It is] the Spirit of God that made me [which has stirred me up], and the breath of the Almighty that gives me life [which inspires me]. Job 33:4 Amplified

The Spirit of God—the Holy Spirit—inspired Elihu to speak to Job. He acknowledges that God made him and gives him life. Back at the beginning of the earth God said…Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." Genesis 1:26. God—including the Holy Spirit—was powerful—The Creator. He was also saw His human creation—man—as a unique creature that could rule—have dominion, that is dominance, or even protect other creatures. Man is a spiritual being—created in God’s image—which is spiritual. No wonder we can be filled with the Holy Spirit. We are vessels to in which the Holy Spirit can dwell. Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT. How do you honor God with your body? To begin with we need to take good care of our bodies…physically and spiritually. This is really convicting of me…I need to lose about 30 pounds! Those pounds have just crept up on my hips and legs so gradually…and now the Holy Spirit is “inspiring” me to exercise more to get my “temple” back in shape. Spiritually—I need to focus more on God’s word…how about you?  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please cleanse and purify my body and mind that I would be an acceptable vessel to You. Inspire me to live a holy life.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

The Spirit Within People

Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite said, I am young, and you are aged; for that reason I was timid and restrained and dared not declare my opinion to you.  I said, Age should speak, and a multitude of years should teach wisdom [so let it be heard]. But there is [a vital force] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives men understanding. It is not the great [necessarily] who are wise, nor [always] the aged who understand justice. So I say, Listen to me; I also will give you my opinion [about Job’s situation] and my knowledge. Job 32:6-10 Amplified 

Elihu speaks to Job and his friends during the time of agony that Job experienced. He is much younger than Job and his friends, but he has a wisdom and understanding that comes from the Lord—from God—from the Holy Spirit. It isn’t always the old who are wise. From whom do we get wisdom? From God and a good source of that is His Word. Proverbs is an outpouring of advice on wisdom and understanding.

Making your ear attentive to skillful and godly Wisdom and inclining and directing your heart and mind to understanding [applying all your powers to the quest for it]; yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God. For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2: 2-6 Amplified. 

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Amplified.

Yes—trust God, the Holy Spirit, to guide and direct you. Seek and submit to His will for your life. Call on Him—and ask for wisdom for lots of things…your marriage, raising your children, work situations, priorities, finances…whatever. In your prayers and seeking His will, don’t just have the “gimmies.” You may not get the answers that you are expecting—but be assured that God does care about you. If necessary, ask for a sign—remember that Gideon did that a couple of times. 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give us wisdom and understanding to see You working in our lives. Guide and protect each of us as we go through this week that we would feel Your presence and live to please You.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

How Do You See God Working In Your Life?

However, You bore with them for many years, and admonished them by Your Spirit through Your prophets, yet they would not give ear. Therefore You gave them into the hand of the peoples of the lands. Nehemiah 9:30 

The Israelites had just returned from captivity and celebrated the Feast of Booths. Now they were gathered together and the Levites were speaking to the group directing them to praise God for His who He is. The Levites acknowledged to God that He is their creator, provider, compassionate, faithful deliverer and teacher. Admonishing teacher—the Holy Spirit. The Levites reminded the Israelites that their forefathers had turned their backs on God and that this generation should not do that.

 

Do you acknowledge all that God has done for you? He is so willing to help—to show us His love. How do you see God working in your life?   

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, we praise You for who You are…God. Our teacher. Showing us how to live and admonishing us for times when we choose not to follow Your will and Your way.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Providing Instruction – Spiritual Food

You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, Your manna You did not withhold from their mouth, and You gave them water for their thirst. Nehemiah 9:20 

When I started out on this venture to learn more about the Holy Spirit—especially in the Old Testament—I had no idea that the Spirit of God had anointed so many people. They may have only been filled with the Spirit for a short time, but God was certainly using His prophets, priests, kings and others to speak His words—to instruct them—to communicate with the Israelites and with us. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. This verse reminds me of the Lord’s Prayer…Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11. Jesus was teaching to ask for daily bread—food—and that can be spiritual as well as physical. God provided manna for the Hebrew people after they left Egypt…and He provided spiritual food as well. He does the same for us…sometimes we just need to ask. 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please provide spiritual as well as physical food for me, my family and friends, today. Give us grateful hearts and grace to know that it comes from You and help us be willing to share it generously with others.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Forsaken?

Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people and said to them, "Thus God has said, 'Why do you transgress the commandments of the LORD and do not prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, He has also forsaken you.'"2 Chronicles 24:20

 

The Israelites continued to go in a cycle where they feared and honored God; followed by a time when they rejected God and went their own way; and then repented and turned back to God. During this time of the scripture passage for today, they had forsaken the Lord—turned against Him. He sent His prophets to His people to bring them back—but they wouldn’t listen. Here Zechariah tells them that God will forsake them, since they have forsaken Him. Do we ever treat God that way? Forsaking Him? Rejecting, disowning, leaving or just giving up on Him? How about when our prayers aren’t answered the way we want? Or we face a problem, a turmoil, or traumatic situation in which we don’t feel God is helping us? Do we remember God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us? "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." ... "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:6, 8. Also in Hebrews 13:5. We don’t have to have a prophet speak to us…God’s word is still active and alive to guide, direct and teach us. Listen to Him. It is the Holy Spirit speaking to you, just as He spoke to Zechariah.

 

Several years ago when my husband, Jerry, and I visited Israel we bought rings—bands inscribed with Hebrew scripture that was one of my favorite verses, as quoted above…"I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU." Hebrews 13:5. That was a promise from God that I had claimed as my own more than twenty years ago. As we put on these bands, Jerry and I promised each other that we would never leave or forsake each other. During a time of introspection after we returned home, I promised God that I would never leave or forsake Him. How could I feel otherwise? He is so good to me.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, guide and direct me, my family and friends that we would seek to hear Your voice and be obedient to what we hear. May we never leave or forsake You.

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Still cold outside—time for more soup. Here’s an easy tortilla soup recipe that we had last night.

 

Quick & Easy Tortilla Soup

2 chicken breasts. shredded – cook in about 2 cups salsa

1 box chicken broth (Southwestern style, if available)

1 can black beans, rinsed

1 can whole kernel corn (optional)

1 can diced tomatoes

½ fresh red pepper, diced

½ fresh green pepper, diced

1 small zucchini, diced

1-2 cups water

½ lime, juiced

1 bag tortilla corn chips

Sour cream, to garnish

Grated cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, to garnish

Guacamole, to garnish

Chopped green onion, to garnish if desired

 

Cook chicken, in salsa, and shred when done. Can use precooked or leftover chicken, if desired. Just add some salsa for flavor. Add water, chicken broth, black beans, corn (if desired), zucchini, peppers and bring to a boil. Simmer about 15-20 minutes, or cook in the slow cooker on high for 1-2 hours or on medium for 3-4 hours. Add lime juice when ready to serve. Place a few tortilla chips in each person’s bowl, add soup. Top with sour cream, graded cheese, guacamole, and/or green onions. Serves 6. Enjoy with additional chips and salsa, or a tossed salad topped with guacamole, sour cream and salsa.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

The Battle is the Lord’s

Then in the midst of the assembly the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite of the sons of Asaph; and he said, "Listen, all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's.” 2 Chronicles 20:14-15. 

Yet another prophet of the Old Testament has the Spirit of the Lord. Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God's. In 1 Samuel 17:46-47 David said to Goliath…"This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD'S and He will give you into our hands." 

Times may have changed, but the battle—spiritual and physical—still belongs to the Lord. Whatever battle you may feel you are in…you can give it to the Lord. As Jesus said…Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. Rest from battles, struggles, stress…life. The Holy Spirit will come alongside of you and take up your burden—your battle. Trust him.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I give You my battle. Like David, I trust You—for the battle is Yours.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

National Hugging Day

Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Micaiah on the cheek and said, "How did the Spirit of the LORD pass from me to speak to you?" 2 Chronicles 18:23

To understand this scripture passage we have to see the big picture of what had happened…and what was going to happen in Israel. This is also recorded in 1 Kings 22. Micaiah was a prophet and things that he had prophesied had not pleased Ahab, the king of Israel, but the king summoned him anyway. Then Ahab told Judah’s king Jehoshaphat that Micaiah prophesied evil not good for him. In 2 Chronicles 18:13 Micaiah says…"As the LORD lives, what my God says, that I will speak." This time Micaiah prophesied good for Ahab. Micaiah was obedient to God…to the Holy Spirit. But did Zedekiah want the limelight for himself? Was he filled with the Holy Spirit…or just a spirit? He slapped Micaiah. He wanted the Spirit for himself. Micaiah was blessed—but Ahab was not. He died in battle. 

Maybe they should have hugged instead of going into battle…but then hugging was not part of their tradition—their custom. Hugging is part of our customs and traditions. Today is National Hugging Day. Have you hugged your spouse, your kids, your friends…or anyone today? A good hug warms relationships. That is what National Hug Day is all about.  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, help me to be obedient to You as You speak to me through Your Holy Word.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Seek and Find the Lord – No Hiding

Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded, and he went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: the LORD is with you when you are with Him. And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:1-2.

 

My five year old grandson’s favorite game is Hide and Seek. He is really—really—good at it. A year ago or so he hid at our house and it took Grandpa and me at least 10 minutes…well, maybe 5 minutes—which seemed like forever—to find him. He’s so quiet and still I looked in the closet where he was three times before I found him. God doesn’t hide from us—but He tells us that if you look for Him, He’ll let you find Him. So where do you start looking for God—when you can’t see Him?

            The Bible – choose any book, pray and read. The key is to pray first. Let me see You, Lord.

            Look at ordinary things that happen around home or work…think safety, miracles, peace, blessings.

            Talk to your friends, family, or church goers—ask them how God is working in their lives.

            Pick up a good Christian book…preferably non-fiction—but you can see God in fiction stories, too. Favorite authors: Max Lucado, Billy Graham, Cynthia Tobias, John Ortberg, Beth Moore, Cynthia Heald, Philip Yancy, Ann VosKamp, Micah Smith and Mark Batterson…and so many others. Check out the library at your local church or the public library in your city for free access to Christian books.

Listen for the Spirit to speak to you—through His word, prayer, and your Christian friends and family.

Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left." Isaiah 30:21  

Prayer ~ Guide us and speak to us, Holy Spirit, that we would walk in the way You would want us to go, so that we would see You working in our lives, and those of our family, friends and neighbors. We seek You with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength—so let us see You in Your power and strength.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

God Helps You

Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who was the chief of the thirty, and he said, "We are yours, O David, and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to him who helps you; Indeed, your God helps you!" Then David received them and made them captains of the band. 1 Chronicles 12:18.

 

The Holy Spirit was on the move and came upon the chief of David’s men. Amasai declared that God helps David. David was anointed king of Israel (see 1 Chronicles 11:3) and God helped David and his army to be victorious over the Philistine army. Then as David brought the Ark of the Covenant to a tent in Jerusalem  he praised God and gave Him glory—before all of Israel. Another instance of the anointing of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament.  

We have to be careful not to remove scripture from its context. This is a powerful story of God using David—protecting him, giving him wisdom and strength. And of the anointing of the David’s army official—acknowledging God’s influence in David’s life with the praise. Peace must have been precious then…as it would be now in Israel. We have hope that God will do the same one day for modern Israel. Surely He will give us all peace at some point in our lives. 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, may we dance and rejoice as David did when the Ark was brought into Jerusalem. You helped David—help the people of Israel now, too, showing them mercy, compassion, and peace in their souls—even when there is not peace in their nation.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Your Words are on My Tongue

Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, "The man who was raised on high declares, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue." 2 Samuel 23:1-2  

David was a man after God’s own heart—and God spoke through him on many occasions throughout his life—many of which are recorded in the Psalms. David didn’t lead an exactly exemplary life—but we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus….Romans 3:21-24.  

The passage from 2 Samuel may have been recorded as the last words of David, but there are later words—even chapters that deal with David’s life. He sinned, but he repented and tried to live an obedient life to please God. He praised God for working in his life…and he encouraged others to praise God.

I will extol You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my enemies rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me. O LORD, You have brought up my soul from Sheol; You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit. Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name. Psalm 30:1-4.

David saw God working in his life—rescuing him and giving him strength. How do you see God working in your life?  

Prayer ~ O Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts, words and actions today that I would be pleasing to You in all that I do, say, and even think. It is You, Lord, that I give praise and honor, for just like You were to David, You are my shield and my strength.

Happy Birthday, Mike.

These 35 years have gone by so quickly!

May God continue to bless, guide, protect and provide for you—as you seek and serve Him.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

The Spirit On the Messengers

Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied. When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. Then he himself went to Ramah and came as far as the large well that is in Secu; and he asked and said, "Where are Samuel and David?" And someone said, "Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah." He proceeded there to Naioth in Ramah; and the Spirit of God came upon him also, so that he went along prophesying continually until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 1 Samuel 19:20-23 

God has a sense of humor. Saul wants to get David—but instead his messengers get the Holy Spirit—and then he does, too. Saul’s plans are not only thwarted, but a bunch of people get blessed in the whole process—including Saul himself. Prophesying in this case was probably declaring praises to God. Can you imagine Saul praising God? Praises bubbling forth from his heart and soul?! Have you ever felt angry with someone and then after praying found yourself praising God—and thanking Him for the very person with whom you were angry? The scripture doesn’t tell us that Saul was thanking God for David, just that he was prophesying. How could he do that and still have bad feelings towards David? 

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, fill us with a sense of Your presence and joy in our lives that we would praise You—proclaiming Your majesty to everyone around us.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

A Changed Heart – Will It Last?

Then it happened when he (Saul) turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day. When they came to the hill there, behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him mightily, so that he prophesied among them. 1 Samuel 10:9-10  

Saul was actually blessed by being filled with the Spirit of God. Read about him in 1 Samuel. You’ll also see that the Spirit of God left him…Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD terrorized him. 1 Samuel 16:14. The Spirit departed…left Saul. That seems sad—but what is really terrible is that an evil spirit came instead and evidently scared and threatened him. Saul was a bitter man after that…seeing David as his enemy—chasing him and making life miserable for him and all his army. There is such a difference between Saul and us. The Spirit was only with him for a short time…but we can have the Spirit forever. God can change our hearts…like He did Saul. If we continue in obedience, then we continue to be filled with His Holy Spirit. Would Saul have been, too? Obedience is the key to our relationship with the Holy Spirit—with God.    

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—fill me a new so that I can be used by You to serve others for You. Give me a desire and attitude that is pleasing to You.

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It’s gray outside. Time for a tangy taste of lemons to brighten our days.
 

Tasty Lemon Bars

1 cup all-purpose flour or substitute

½ cup butter

¼ cup powdered sugar

2 eggs

1 cup sugar

½ tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 tsp lemon peel – or ½ lemon rind, zested 

Blend first portion of flour and powdered sugar and cut in butter. Press into an 8 or 9 inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Beat remaining ingredients together. Pour over baked crust. Bake 20-25 minutes.  Let cool, slice and enjoy.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

The Spirit on Sampson

And the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him (Samson) in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol. Judges 13:25

The Spirit of the LORD came upon him (Samson) mightily, so that he tore him (a lion) as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. ... Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father's house. Judges 14:6, 19

When he(Samson) came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms were as flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds dropped from his hands. Judges 15:14  

Samson—that strong, mighty man of God with the long hair. Read about him in Judges13 through 16. His parents lived at a time when the nation of Israel again turned its back against God. An angel of the Lord visited Samson’s parents, explaining that God wanted their son to be pure, drinking no wine all of his life and never cutting his hair so that he would have the strength to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines.  Unfortunately he chooses to fall in love with Philistine women, but what appears to be his downfall ends up in fulfilling God’s plan to destroy the Philistines. The Spirit of the Lord ultimately returned his strength to him, allowing yet another victory for the Lord. Samson deviated from God’s plan—but he finally was renewed with full strength to do God’s will. Do you ever have God’s strength given to you to fight a spiritual battle?  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, cleanse our hearts, souls and mind and renew a right spirit within us that we would be pure in heart to do God’s will. Give us a willing attitude, as well as physical strength, opportunity, motivation, and endurance to do whatever it is that You expect us to do. 

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 6:16-24, Acts 9:1-19, Psalms 15, Genesis 34-35.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Be Careful What You Vow

Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over [unto] the children of Ammon. And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. Judges 11:29-31  

God’s Holy Spirit was again poured out on another Judge over Israel. God humbles people that He uses… the shepherds Moses and David for example. Here was the son of a harlot—Jephthah, who was sent away from his father’s home by his half-brothers. They didn’t want anything to do with him and didn’t want him to share in their inheritance. God chose him to save the Israelites. The Ammonites tried to pick a fight saying that the Israelites had taken their land—but not so. Jephthah led the Israelites into battle and the Lord gave the Ammonites into Jephthah hands. He won the battle—but in his vow to the Lord may have lost his only child, his daughter. It is not clear in the scripture if he does sacrifice her. We have to hope that he followed the Commandment—Thou shalt not kill—and that God allowed his daughter to live a life separated from all others—like a nun. Jephthah was obedient to the Lord. He is an example to us to be careful what you vow.  

Prayer ~ Lord God, help me be obedient like Jephthah—but careful in the words I choose. Give me wisdom and understanding of this scripture as I apply it to my life.

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 6:1-15, Acts 8:26-40, Psalms 14, Genesis 32-33.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Obedience and Trumpets

So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together to follow him. Judges 6:34  

Read the story of Gideon in Judges 6-8. Gideon ask the Angel of the Lord an interesting question—that many of us may also ask…if the Lord is with us, why is all this befallen us? Gideon didn’t have much confidence in himself…How can I deliver Israel? …I am the least in my father’s house….Judges 6:15. Gideon was obedient in tearing down the Baal alters and Asherah poles as God asked him to do—even before the Spirit of the Lord was poured out on him. God gave him a sign—as he asked—to show him that it was God Himself who was speaking to him about fighting the Midianites. Gideon continued to be obedient to the Lord as he directed the Israelite army to creatively “fight” the Midianite army with trumpets and torches. God is so creative! Those Midianites were so gullible. They were filled with fear—and lacked faith. Those are opposites—fear and faith. Great faith—no fear. Great fear—no faith. Where is your fear…your faith? 

Prayer ~ Lord, I am amazed by the people You chose in the Old Testament to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Here’s Gideon who was obedient. Even when I don’t have confidence in what I can do for You, I know that You can fill me—like Gideon—with Your Spirit so that I can serve You creatively. I look forward to the ingenious ways that You can have use my talents. 

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 5:33-48, Acts 8:1-25, Psalms 13, Genesis 31.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

First Judge Filled with the Spirit

When the sons of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for the sons of Israel to deliver them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. When he went out to war, the LORD gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, so that he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim. Judges 3:9-10  

Will they ever learn? Those Israelites in the early days were like spoiled little children—they wanted their own way…and when they got into trouble, they called for Daddy! The sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgot the LORD their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth. Judges 3:7  Then in verse 9, they cried out to the Lord—help, save us! So our merciful God saved them by giving them their first judge to rule. That Judge was filled with the Spirit—and God allowed them to win over their enemies. Is that how we are? Do we turn our backs on God when times are good…and then when things get rough—or we do something wrong—do we call out to God to help us? Well—God helped the Israelites. He will help us when we call out to Him.   

Prayer ~ Lord, You sent a deliverer—a judge—for Israel. Is that what they need now? Is that what I need now? Give me wisdom to follow You and not turn my back on You or Your way of life. Help me to guide others to know and trust You.  

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 5:21-32, Acts 7:30-60, Psalms 12, Genesis 29-30.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Find Us a Leader

Then Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, "May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep which have no shepherd." So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight." Numbers 27:15-19  

Moses was looking out for the Israelites. He wanted them to have a leader after he was gone. Compassion and love for his people. So God chose Joshua. Joshua had been one of the spies who went into the Promised Land, he had assisted Moses, and he had shown courage in fighting Amalek. He was a leader prepared for just a time as this—and God had poured out His Holy Spirit on Joshua. Now Moses was about to lay his hands on Joshua—to appoint him as the new leader of the Israelites giving him responsibility to guide them as they proceeded into the Promised Land. There in front of the whole assembly of the Hebrew people, Joshua became their leader. Devoted, honest, trustworthy. What can we learn from Joshua’s example and how can we apply this to our lives?  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, as You were with Joshua, be with each of us, giving us courage to do what is right, to put on our spiritual armor and stand up for what is true, right and good.  

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 5:13-20, Acts 7:1-38, Psalms 11, Genesis 27-28.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Blessed to Be a Blessing

When Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times to seek omens but he set his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him. Numbers 24:1-2  

The king of Moab, Balak, asked Balaam to curse the Israelites—but instead Balaam obeyed God by speaking the word God gave him, rather than cursing the Israelites. This is a fascinating story—share it with your children. Balaam’s donkey actually speaks to him. See Numbers 22-24 for the whole story. Balaam’s obedience to God is the center of the story…and God rewards him by filling him with His Holy Spirit and giving him words to bless Israel—not once, but three times. Blessed is the person who blesses Israel. That is a promise from the Lord.    

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—fill me that I would be obedient to be a blessing to Israel—and to other Christians around me. 

Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 5:11-12, Acts 6, Psalms 10, Genesis 25-26.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Detox Discouragement and Disease

But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!" Numbers 11:29  

During Moses time only those the Lord chose would have the Holy Spirit poured out on them. These seventy men that God appointed elders by anointing them with the Holy Spirit began to prophesy. A young man came to Moses complaining. What caused his complaining? Were they afraid or jealous of these elders? What motivates people? Does fear or encouragement motive you? To be filled with the Spirit is motivating—encouraging, uplifting and joyful! Joy—even in times of trial or discouragement.  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, fill me with Your  joy that I might be joyously contagious to others—creating in them joy no matter what is going on in their lives right now. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Detox your body. It is good to get the toxins out of our body several times a year. I regularly drink a quick brew made with half of a lemon, freshly squeezed, with a few shakes of cayenne pepper and about a half teaspoon of real maple syrup. It is good for liver cleansing. Friends of mine were sharing at lunch yesterday about using a cut onion to remove bacteria that causes fevers and the flu. Onions naturally contains sulfur which helps the body release bacteria and other toxins, including lead, arsenic and cadmium from the liver. I think that Jesus would be pleased that we are using onions He created to cure diseases that especially plague us during the winter season. This is a new feast from His creation.  

Onion Sock Remedy for Fevers or the Flu

Peel and cut in half one white or yellow (not red) onion. Place one thin slice, a little less than a half-inch, of an onion on the bottom of your foot and secure by placing a sock over your foot. Leave on overnight. I tried it and I felt great the next day—no sore throat.
Today’s Bible reading – Matthew 4:18-25, Acts 5:17-42, Psalms 9, Genesis 24.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Just as He Said

Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took of the Spirit who was upon him and placed Him upon the seventy elders. And when the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied. But they did not do it again. But two men had remained in the camp; the name of one was Eldad and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them (now they were among those who had been registered, but had not gone out to the tent), and they prophesied in the camp. Numbers 11:25-26  

Just as He said. God spoke to Moses and told Him what He was going to do…and then He did it. He listened to Moses who said it was just too much of a burden to take care of all of the Hebrew people—so God lessened his burden by giving responsibility to seventy elders. God poured out His Holy Spirit on those seventy men—they had God’s help, just like Moses did. When you feel over-burdened do you ask the Lord for help? I am over-burdened with clutter and papers. Where does this all come from? That is a physical stressor. How about spiritual burdens? We need to take time to declutter our lives physically, and spiritually as well. You probably made some New Year’s resolution to lose weight or declutter. Did you do a spiritual evaluation to see where you need to change or grow spiritually? How’s your attitude? Are you feeling over-burdened like Moses? Talk to the Lord about it.  

Prayer ~ Lord God, like David, I ask that you would cleanse my heart. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Psalm 19:12 NLT 

January 8^th - Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan – Matthew 4:12-17, Acts 5:1-16, Psalms 8, Genesis 21-23.   How are you doing with your daily Bible reading? Time to catch up.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Who's Complaining?

"Then I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit who is upon you, and will put Him upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone.” Numbers 11:17  

God provided the manna in the wilderness. But the people complained—it wasn’t like the food they were used to eating in Egypt. They wanted meat, but where was Moses to get enough meat to feed all those people? There were at least 600,000 Hebrew people on foot, plus others that rode horses, donkeys, or in wagons during the exodus from Egypt. Moses had a good talk with the Lord—explaining that the burden of caring for all those people was just too much for him to bear. The Lord was merciful and had Moses appoint seventy elders to help. Those seventy men were anointed with the Holy Spirit, just as Moses was, and they prophesied. As He promised, the Lord with His infinite power did provide meat—quail—more than enough for everyone for a month. Those who were greedy were struck down with a plague and died. God does not put up with whining and complaining—or greed. Have we learned a lesson from this?  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—fill me with wisdom and understanding that I may apply the lesson of being content with what is provided. I don’t want to be like those Hebrew people who complained or like those who were greedy. Let all that I do, say, or even think be pleasing to You.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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