Friday, June 26, 2015

Feasting on the Truth

I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. Romans 9:1-5
 
Paul spoke these words to the Christians in Rome. He continues at the end of this same chapter with this: What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, just as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and he who believes in him will not be disappointed." Romans 9:30-33. I pray often for Jews—especially those in Israel. What a blessing and heritage they have in the Lord…but many don’t see that Jesus is their Messiah. Those are the ones for whom I pray. They are still searching for a political leader—a Messiah—that will lead them out of persecution and bondage. But it is a personal spiritual heritage that they have available to them—and with which believing Gentiles have been blessed. Jesus is indeed our own personal spiritual Messiah. It is not by works that we will be saved—just a gift of knowledge applied to our lives. I feel privileged that God has revealed this to me…just as He did to Peter at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13-20). Like Paul I have grief in my heart for my adopted kinsmen in Christ who have not yet opened their eyes and their hearts to the Lord. Where do you stand with the Lord? And He (Jesus) said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?”  Luke 24:38.Are your eyes open to the truth that Jesus is the Son of God? Can you share that Good News with others?
 
Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, as Jesus said...Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:1-3.
     Remove the things from the hearts and minds my family, friends and neighbors and others around the world whom You love so that they can see Jesus for who He is…The Son of God. I look forward to the day when Jesus returns and we see Him face to face. For now—I worship Him…as well as You and the Heavenly Father—to whom all praise is due. Blessings on all who hear God’s Word and receive it.
 
Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
When I think of the Day of the Lord coming…I don’t want to be found being a glutton. We recently went to a buffet and everything was soooo good that I ate three plates full. Well, two of them were salad plates—but that was still gluttonous. What do you want to be found eating when Christ returns? A nice thick grilled steak, beans and rice, or decadent chocolate mousse pie? Humble pie? This is the best time of the year to just enjoy a fresh fruit salad. God created such variety. So be inspired and add all the fruits your family enjoys or be adventurous and try some new ones.
 
Fresh Fruit Salad
Choose the freshest fruits at your nearby produce store or farmers market. Wash, hull or peel and cut into bite-sized chunks as necessary. Pour a little orange juice over the fruit and add some fresh basil or mint leaves, if desired. Serve cold at any time of the day. Enjoy!
 
Blueberries
Strawberries
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Honeydew melon
Blackberries
Raspberries
Grapes—red, green, black
Cherries—Queen Anne, Bing,
Pineapple
Mango
Banana
Star fruit
Kiwi
 
© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.
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