Will You Live Forever in His House?

…and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:6 KJV

His House…Is that in Heaven? Is the Holy Spirit in this, too? Lots of questions come to mind when we think of heaven and living forever. How long is forever anyway? Strong’s Bible lexicon translates this “house” from the Hebrew word bayith, to mean house, household, home or even temple among other words. Imagine living the rest of forever in the temple of the Lord—His house. Jesus gave us a verse—with a glimpse into heaven. It is often used in funeral or memorial services since it is very comforting to those who have lost a loved one. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2.

In the Jewish marriage custom, when a couple became engaged, the bridegroom would add a room onto his father’s home. Their marriage would not happen until the father said that the dwelling place was ready for the new couple. It couldn’t just be thrown together. It had to be well constructed and approved by the father. He was like the building inspector—no shabby construction project on his family home. When everything was in order the father would send for the bride from her father’s home and invite the wedding guests to come celebrate. When they arrived at the bridegroom’s home, a weeklong marriage party would begin. A feast with the groom and bride. Christians are the “bride” of Christ. The beginning of forever will be that day when we celebrate with the Lord at a His wedding banquet. It will be an exciting day when the Father says, “Come. The home is ready.” Shall we meet in the air or there at the Banquet with the King?   

Prayer ~ Father God, like all Your people since the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus, we are waiting as patiently to hear Your call, “Come.” We understand that You tarry so that no one would be lost. We are eager for Jesus Christ’s return-but we too want Heaven to be as full as possible. Holy Spirit—guide us that we would be willing workers with the right words to say to encourage others as You bring them to salvation.  

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my lovingkindness enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6.

Have you ever looked for the Holy Spirit in Psalm 23? Is He there? Decide for yourself.

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

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

 

 

All the Days of My Life

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life…. Psalm 23:6 KJV  

The word “goodness” is translated the same as “good,” “better,” and “prosperity” among others from the Hebrew word towb 597 times in the NASB translation. Here are a few of those verses.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Psalm 37:3

Answer me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good; according to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me…. Psalm 69:16

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 107:1

Mercy in the KJV is translated 253 times and appears as “lovingkindness” 176 times in the New American Standard Bible, from the Hebrew word checed. In the KJV mercy is translated as kindness, lovingkindness, goodness, merciful, and kindly among other words.

You have granted me life and lovingkindness; and Your care has preserved my spirit. Job 10:12

All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25:10

He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD. Psalm 33:5

You, O LORD, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me. Psalm 40:11

Goodness and kindness are also part of the fruit of the Spirit. What more could we ask for but to have these characteristics following us…or being part of us all the rest of our lives? All day…every day.  

There are some days that I don’t see enough goodness and kindness in my life—that is flowing out of my life. We all make choices and I’ll admit that some of mine aren’t always the best. But God is good…and with His mercy and goodness comes forgiveness. I thank Him for that. His lovingkindness is everlasting.  

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, please forgive me for making poor choices earlier today…in my words and actions. Guide me in all that I think, say and do that I would be more pleasing to You the rest of this day…and all the days of my life. I want to honor You.

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

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

April 28 – Is Your Cup Overflowing?

My cup runneth over. Psalm 23:5 KJV

So often people are judged by how they view a situation...or the world. Is your cup half empty or half full? Are you optimistic or pessimistic? Well, here is another option...my cup is overflowing! I am blessed beyond measure—and my life and blessing are just spilling over all around me. I have a great family biologically and spiritually—especially within my church; wonderful friends, and terrific neighbors. God has provided my husband and me with a comfortable, sturdy home in a friendly, clean and growing community that is generally respectful of others. The Tri-Cities in Washington State has a great climate—not too hot or too cold. Technologically, we are just blessed beyond measure by all the modern conveniences available to us in this day and age. Where else could we have it so good as here in the USA in 2015? Our cup surely is overflowing. Spiritually, we get what we ask for and are rewarded for digging into God’s Word. Where do you stand? Is your cup half empty, half full or overflowing?  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, thank you for Your generosity, interceding in our lives so that our cup…our very lives…are overflowing with Your love, provision, and protection. Please continue to guide, direct and supply us with everything that we could possibly ever need or want. We live to honor You—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

 

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

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Precious Oil for Your Head - April 27

Thou anointest my head with oil.... Psalm 23:5 KJV 

In the dry arid desert region of Israel oil was a precious commodity--especially for anyone traveling.  It was a good host who would wash--or have his servants wash--his guests' feet and annoint their head with oil. Shortly before His death Jesus was anointed with an expensive perfume oil. Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon (a Pharisee), "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss My feet. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume." Luke 7:44-46. Today when people ask for prayer a minister or friend will anoint the person with olive oil before the prayer. There is power in the heartfelt prayer of a believer interceding for a beloved friend or relative. How is your prayer life? Are you anointing others--or just being anointed?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give us insight into when we should anoint others in prayer and please speak through us--as You intercede for us to the Heavenly Father. 

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

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Shepherd's Tools - April 25

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 KJV

The shepherd's rod and staff are particularly important to the sheep and the shepherd. That 'ole shepherd can fight off wild animals--like David did--with the rod. Whack! Get out of here you evil wolf, lion or dog! And now that little lamb has fallen into a hole between those rocks--and I just can't reach her. Wait the crook of my staff will just fit down there and I can lift her out. The lamb is grateful to have been rescued from harm, comforted by the loving care of the shepherd. That is the same loving care that I see the Holy Spirit providing for us. Do we give comforting care to those whom we shepherd? Think about that. Who do you "shepherd?" How could you protect or rescue them? We don't carry around rods or staffs--but spiritually speaking there is one important tool--PRAYER. 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, protect and comfort my friends, family and neighbors, as well as me. Show me how I can be a comfort to others around me. Particularly, heal and strengthen my friend, J, and guide her with your perfect peace as she walks with You. Shalom. 

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

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Feasting with Your Enemies - Sunday April 26

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies Psalm 23:4 KJV

Imagine a beautiful dinner table nicely set with your favorite foods--and several chairs gathered around so that you and a few others could enjoy this scrumptious meal. Who will sit with you? Your enemies? There must be some mistake. Why would they be invited to such a feast? Jesus told us that we are to love our enemies. The Lord Himself is preparing this banquet and the Holy Spirit has asked your enemies to join you as the bread is broken. When we go to the Comunnion Table everyone is there--young, old, rich, poor, and rich--all of the Lord. Our hearts must be right. Be sure you are at peace with everyone--and pull up a chair to His Table. Enjoy what He has prepared for you--and the presence of those seated with you. Shalom. 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, create in me once again a clean heart and a renewed spirit that I would be able to sit next to an enemy--a former enemy now--and even welcome them to Your table. 

(c) 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

No Fear

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…. Psalm 23:4 KJV

The Valley of the Shadow of Death. Death can bring on such sadness. I've experienced that veil that can come with the loss of a loved one--along with a deep valley of depression. Why do we experience such devastation when there is loss? We especially question why we feel this way when we know that the other side of death is stepping across into Heaven. How can we be sad when we know that there will be peace and joy soon for the one who died. There is no evil to fear for the person who has passed--though depending on the circumstances if they haven't died, but are just severely ill--there may be some fear involved. Fear is such a powerful emotion. It can drive us to do crazy things or make us withdraw away from other people into a self imposed seclusion. Fear no evil. God will take care of us. God has promise us...I will never leave you or forsake you. Hebrews 13:5. The Holy Spirit is always with us. Do you feel His presence? Practice feeling His presence. Yield your life to Him.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, Thank You for reminding me that You are with me…I have no need for fear—no matter what is happening or where I am. You are with me—even when I face death. That day will come—but I know where I am going. I praise the Heavenly Father for His plan—for mankind, and for me personally.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

It’s about fig time. First harvest season in early summer—that is late April in California! I think the best way to enjoy figs is to just eat them fresh, like Adam and Eve—since it has been suggested to be the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. If you have lots available to you and you want to save some to savor in the coming months, here’s a Fig Jam that will help you do just that…and you’ll have some to gift away, too.

Fig Jam 

12 cups chopped, ripe figs
3 Meyer lemons, seeds removed, chopped fine, using a food  processor 
3 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons calcium water
Mix everything and bring to a boil in a wide pan

When this fruit mixture comes to a boil add:
5 cups sugar mixed with 3 teaspoons pectin.

Return to boil and continue to boil for 5 minutes, then check on a frozen plate to see if the jam is the consistency you like. If not you can cook it down further, stirring often to prevent scorching.

Fill your jam jars and process in a boiling water canning bath for 10 minutes.

Note: Use Pomona Pectin. It comes with the calcium packet to make the calcium water.
Yield: 12 half-pint jars

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

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

Are You Leading or Being Led?

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:3 KJV

The Holy Spirit guides us. Jesus taught… But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. John 16:13. It is the Holy Spirit who guides us in the paths of righteousness…right living. Are you allowing Him to guide you…to lead you? Or do you want to lead and have Him follow you?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I give myself to You that You would guide me…not just anywhere, but in Your path of righteousness. I want to honor You, as well as Jesus and the Heavenly Father, with my life.

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

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Restoration

He restoreth my soul…. Psalm 23:3 KJV

 

Restoration. To turn my very inner being—my soul—back to God. When my soul is focusing on God, I am at peace. Jehovah-Shalom—the Lord is at Peace. We often pray for peace for others…or ourselves. It is this Jehovah-Shalom, to whom we are praying, that through the Holy Spirit can provide that peace that passes all understanding.

I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:1-3 NLT.

The Lord is worthy of our trust and praise. He restores our souls—not so that we can be happy, happy, happy forever more…but so that we can reach others for Him. They will put their trust in our God…our Lord—and the future population in heaven will increase. Isn’t that our goal…to bring others to salvation…to make disciples?

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

God is with us…He will never leave us or forsake us. Claim that promise…as well as His peace in your heart and soul today.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, Lord God, fill us anew today with Your peace, joy and love that we may go out into our homes, neighborhoods, and communities to reach others for You.

 

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

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Quiet Water Calms My Soul

He leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2 KJV 

In the dry desert environment of Israel there are infrequent flash floods which send torrents of rain water down normally dry little canyons called wadi. If a sheep were to be in a wadi when that water went flowing through it, the sheep would surely be swept away and die. Generally sheep don’t swim and if their wool gets wet it may become too heavy for them to stay above water. There have been instances of sheep being taught to swim—and if the leading ewe goes into the water, those behind her will follow. Sheep just do that—they follow the leader, no matter where the leader goes or what she does. If the shepherd is wise, he will take his sheep to calm water to let them drink so that they don’t fall in and drown. How are you around swift moving or calm waters? Swift water may be good for white water kayaking or rafting, but it is not swimming or drinking water. Still water is often reflective, if there is no wind—and so it may create beautiful views. Is your heart so calm that it reflects the beauty of the Lord in you...to others? That would be a great goal. Quiet water calms my soul. 

Prayer ~ Lord, as You fill me with Your living water, may Your Holy Spirit calm my soul, my very spirit, so that I reflect Your love to those around me.

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

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

Is Your Pasture Green?

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures…. Psalm 23:2 KJV 

Lie down in green pastures…sleep contentedly. Sheep won’t sleep unless they feel safe. If they are going to lie down it has to be in a secure place where no wild animals will attack them. They depend on their shepherd to take care of them. So, how about you? What do you expect of your shepherd? What do the green pastures represent to you? Peace, security, rest, provisions and hope? The Holy Spirit is that good shepherd providing just what we all want…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23. Lie down in His green pastures…and never be discontent again.  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, fill me with Your fruit that I would be pleasing to You—and eternally secure in the hope that You provide.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Amelia!

Love and Blessings…Today and Always.

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

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

No Wants

I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 KJV

He provides. Needs…Wants. What is the difference? We all need the basics: food, clothing, shelter and of course LOVE. God has promised to provide those to us. …So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:31-33 NLT. Those are the “needs,” but God, through the Holy Spirit, promises in this Psalm 23:1 passage that we will not be in “want.” What do sheep want? Their wants are probably just a shepherd to take care of them and provide some good grass to eat, safe place to live and sleep, with no wild animals stalking them.  As one of God’s sheep do you have any particular wants? What do you “want” in life? A loving spouse, nice home, good car, relaxing or adventurous vacation, wonderful wardrobe, good food, witty friends, and a quality education for your children or yourself? Salvation for your family, friends, neighbors…yourself?  Jesus tells us over and over. Ask…Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you. John 11:22…all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. Matthew 21:22. …So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Luke 11:9. John reminds us …and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22. God knows our needs and our wants, even before we ask—but He still wants to hear from us…to communicate with us.

Prayer ~ Precious Lord God, I am asking for the greatest thing of all…not for myself for I have already received salvation…but I ask that you would open the eyes and heart of several people I know who don’t know You as their Lord and Savior. Time is unpredictable—and may be drawing to a close for one or more of these people. So in Your love and mercy, please reveal Yourself to them, soften their hearts and allow them to see You for who You are—Lord, Savior, Creator, Redeemer, and Friend. This is more important to me than any earthly need or want. Thank you for hearing my prayer.

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

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

Shepherded by the Holy Spirit

The LORD is my shepherd….  Psalm 23:1 KJV

Have you ever considered the Holy Spirit to be in Psalm 23? This is probably one of the most known and beloved Psalms. We know that David wrote this Psalm…and that all scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit … 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.

David was a shepherd as a boy and young man. Since sheep are sort of dumb animals, they must be watched over and cared for carefully. David wrote this, not from the perspective of a shepherd, but as one of the sheep—God’s flock. The Lord is my shepherd…and the Holy Spirit brings this fact to my mind and understanding. I need the Lord to take care for me…and I feel safe in His presence. He protects me. Sheep are a reflection of their shepherd. If he takes good care of the sheep, they are healthy and content. If not, they will be scrawny, sick and may get lost or hurt. Do you feel like the Lord is your shepherd—caring for, protecting and providing for you?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, continue to inspire me, guide me and give me understanding that I would know You more deeply and see You as my shepherd. Lord God—You are the great shepherd—the keeper of my soul…of all souls. I praise You.

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

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

How’s Your Heart?

Beware that the heart of no man, woman, clan, or tribe among you turns away from the LORD our God today to pursue and serve the gods of those nations; beware that there is among you no root producing poisonous and bitter fruit. When such a person hears the words of this oath he secretly blesses himself and says, "I will have peace though I continue to walk with a stubborn spirit." This will destroy the watered ground with the parched. Deuteronomy 29:18-19 NET

You may note that this passage doesn’t mention the Holy Spirit—but how can anyone think that they could have the Holy Spirit in them if they willing harbor a stubborn spirit? A selfish attitude. Can this be a lesson to us? How can anyone have peace if they walk with a stubborn spirit? Do they have no regard for God, His holiness, and His will for our lives?  The Hebrew people went through that stubbornness at times, as noted by David in this Psalm. Then they would not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not loyal and whose spirit was not faithful to God.  Psalm 78:8 HCSB. A person whose spirit is not faithful to God. Look deep in your heart, mind and soul. Do you see any evidence of this in your life? If so—deal with it. If not—good job! Encourage others in their walk with the Lord.

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, cleanse my heart, once again that I would be holy before You. I pray that my family, friends, and neighbors would also seek to be pure before You and know You more completely. I praise You for Your unconditional and continued love for us. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit…as we walk with You.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Dieting? I’ve lost about 100 pounds—trouble is I’ve gained 102 pounds in the last ten years. So it is back to the changing my eating habits. AARP Magazine had a good article back in January/February 2011 that reported on Losing Weight Without Really Trying. One of their ideas was to have a Power of Three Checklist where each month you would modify your goals, choosing a different eating tip.

Power of Three Checklist

Try these simple tips:

1. Include a fruit and a vegetable with your lunch and dinner.

2. Don't eat white foods at dinner.

3. Use the half-plate rule (fill half your plate with veggies.)
4. Have a sweet or salty afternoon snack only if you first eat a piece of fresh fruit.
5. Drink one glass of water before every meal or snack.
6. Use the Restaurant Rule of Two: Limit yourself to two items other than your entrée.
7. Never eat in front of the TV.
8. Eat a piece of fruit on the way to work every day.
9. Save desserts for weekends.
10. Freeze half of what you make, and serve the other half.

So choose three and try to follow those for the month. It takes a month to change our habits…so press on. My choices for the rest of April are:

April	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30	31	Total
Use ½ plate rule (fruit/veggies)
Never eat in front of TV
Don’t eat white foods at dinner

 How are you doing with weight maintenance? Remember that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit—so we need to take care of them.

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

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

Is Your Spirit Despondent?

But if you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commands and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overtake you:  ... Then the LORD will scatter you among all peoples from one end of the earth to the other, and there you will worship other gods, of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. You will find no peace among those nations, and there will be no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you a trembling heart, failing eyes, and a despondent spirit. Deuteronomy 28:15, 64-65 HCSB 

Moses gave the Hebrew people final warnings just before they went into the Promised Land, after their time of Exodus and wandering in the desert. There were promises if they obeyed the God’s Commandments and promises if they disobeyed. This curse from disobedience involved the person receiving a despondent spirit. This didn’t indicate that they were filled with the Holy Spirit and lost that, it was just a hopelessness that became theirs in relation to the curse. The Hebrew people were given the original Ten Commandments…and then more details on exactly how they should live and treat each other on many occasions. God was pretty specific on how He wanted these chosen people of His to relate to others—and to Him. Obedience was a choice…and they didn’t always choose that. Do we? We have the same choices today. God wants us to be obedient, and we have the same free will that the Hebrew people had, but the difference is we have God’s grace and mercy through His Son, our Lord and risen Savior, Jesus Christ. How well do you know Jesus? Is He your Savior? Does knowing Jesus make a difference in your life? 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, forgive us when we act like the Hebrew people who had to wander around in the desert another forty years. May we listen closely to Your voice speaking to us from Your Word…and may our hearts be touched that we would be obedient. We don’t want to have a hopeless spirit within us…but we want to be filled with Your Spirit—the Holy Spirit—in a fresh new anointing today…and every day. We praise You for Your plan of Salvation and for Jesus’ obedience to go to the cross. We are grateful that He isn’t still on the cross—but that He is resurrected and is seated at Your right hand in Heaven.

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

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

No Tax on the Priests or Servants of God’s House

Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons. We also inform you that it is not allowed to impose tax, tribute or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim or servants of this house of God. Ezra 7:23-24

So sometime around 456-444 BC the book of Ezra was written about the Jews returning to Israel…after the period of Babylonian captivity. Ezra was a scribe skilled in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he requested because the hand of Yahweh his God was on him. Some of the Israelites, priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants accompanied him to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.  Ezra 7:6-7 HCSB. The hand of Yahweh—Holy Spirit—guided Ezra to write about God commandments and about taxes. Taxes weren’t a new thing—and laws governing taxes had been around even in other cultures for hundreds of years…if not longer. Here Ezra is given very specific instruction by King Artaxerxes that taxes were not to be imposed on the priests and other temple authorities. 

It appears that Ezra is a man after God’s own heart. Now Ezra had determined in his heart to study the law of the LORD, obey it, and teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.  Ezra 7:10 HCSB. What could be more pleasing to God than a person who studies, obeys and teaches His commandments? Where do you stand in regards to God’s word? Taxes today are imposed on pastors…but there are stipulations on them governed by complicated laws. No matter what your occupation, have you paid your taxes? Deadline day is upon us. 

Prayer ~ Lord God, fill me anew today with Your Holy Spirit that as I study Your Word I would obey it and do whatever You need me to do for You today.

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

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

Your Good Spirit

You sent your good Spirit to instruct them, and you did not stop giving them manna from heaven or water for their thirst. ... But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are! And now, our God, the great and mighty and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of unfailing love, do not let all the hardships we have suffered seem insignificant to you. Great trouble has come upon us and upon our kings and leaders and priests and prophets and ancestors--all of your people--from the days when the kings of Assyria first triumphed over us until now. Every time you punished us you were being just. We have sinned greatly, and you gave us only what we deserved. Nehemiah 9:20, 31-33 NLT 

God was so gracious and merciful to the Hebrew people as they made their great exodus from Egypt and throughout their history. Sure He punished them, as Nehemiah observed, when they deserved it. But God is not a mean God. He didn’t destroy or abandon them. He has promised again and again that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5). He sent the good Spirit to teach, train and educate those precious people that God called His own. That is very parental of Him. He knew that they needed some guidance. We do, too. But even though the Spirit instructed them, they still didn’t follow God’s plan—His guidance, better known as commandments, so He punished them. That is the result of sin. God in His mercy had a plan.  

For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. Romans 5:17-19 NLT.

Jesus Christ is that obedient one. Will you be among the righteous—the forgiven—in the end? 

Prayer ~ Dear God, thank you for Your plan for mankind—for the knowledge that the Holy Spirit has taught us—and the obedient example in Jesus Christ. Create in me a clean heart and a right spirit—that I would continually follow You and be found pleasing in your sight.

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

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

 

Hope in the Lord

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness, to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us, according as we have hoped in You. Psalm 33:18-22   

God’s heart is touched by those who follow Him. There is hope for those who respect the Lord—and who wait on Him. He sees them—His eye is upon them. His vision is perfect. He doesn’t look back on the past and wonder “what if…” or “I should have…or I could have….” We need to trust that God has a plan for us, just as He said in Jeremiah. 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.' Jeremiah 29:11. We can put our hope and trust in the Lord—He cares for us. Do you trust Him with your past, your future…with your life today? 

Prayer ~ Oh Lord, I put my trust in You for I know that You love me. I look forward to discovering Your plans for me…moment by moment. I give You my life, my all. I am Yours. Use me as You will.

 

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

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