What Are You Thinking?

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT

 

Think about the good stuff. If you think about bad stuff…gloominess results. So think about the excellent things in life—the sweet stuff.  Think. Thinking is a good thing, usually. Our minds keep on working all the time we’re awake and actually while we sleep, too. It is up to us to control what we think about. To be positive and productive we need to think about good stuff and not to dwell on the bad things in life. Jesus challenged people to “think.” Think on this verse when you are tempted to do wrong, unsure of others motives, or wavering in your faith.

 

Life can be good and joyous. This is one of my favorite verses—and it has been very helpful over the years. It is a good verse to discipline myself to think about what is right and good and true. That is a good place to start everyday—every hour—moment by moment. What kinds of “seeds” are you planting in your children’s lives for them to think about? Harvest kindness from kindness, goodness from goodness, patience from patience, and integrity from integrity.

 

If we focus on the good things and keep our minds on that…don’t let your thoughts wander off into mindless unproductive or evil thoughts…life will be better. Better than what you ask? Better than anything we could hope for if we focus on what God wants for us. Ask Him for His best and you’ll be surprised at what you get. Once again, keep track of what you pray about—for what you are asking of God. See the surprising results and tell others about His amazing generosity—how He has helped you with your self-control or other problems.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right. (Proverbs 20:11 NLT). May my children and grandchildren be known for their self-controlled behavior that reflects the love and discipline that they have received as a result of knowing You. Help my family and me to seek and keep focus on that which is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and things that are worthy of Your praise. You alone are worthy of our praise and adoration.

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Salad challenge. I just challenged my grandchildren to create salads for a recently family gathering. Only the five and seven year old granddaughters took me up on the challenge. Here’s one of the final dishes.

 

Amelia’s Salad

1 cucumber, peeled, sliced and quartered

1 medium tomato, cut in bite-sized pieces

 3 tablespoons goat cheese

Baby carrots, cut on diagonal

Freshly ground salt, to taste

 

Mix the first four ingredients in a bowl and add the salt just before it served.

For variation, add ½ teaspoon fresh chopped dill or basil. Can be served with your favorite salad dressing.  

 

Remembering my sister, Shirley—on her birthday.

 

© 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

Have You Heard About Jesus?

With the Lord's authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. But that isn't what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Ephesians 4:17-23 NLT

 

Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Good advice…let the Holy Spirit help you…guide you. Don’t be stubborn—get your act together and be willing to change. Like Paul was saying to the Christians in Ephesus… throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life. Off with the old…and on the with the new. Get renewed. As Paul taught the church at Colossia…Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him. Colossians 3:10 NLT. Be like Jesus. That is a good goal. My goal. Get renewed…become like Jesus. Humble, obedient, loving, considerate, generous, high integrity, reliable, respectful, self-sacrificing, loyal, passionate, compassionate, forgiving, gentle, and self-controlled. Do you see those qualities in your life?  

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, renew my mind that I would think and act like Jesus.

 

© 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

How’s Your Attitude?

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names….Philippians 2:5-9 NLT

 

An attitude the same as Christ? Wow! That is a lot to ask. I’ve discovered a quick way to change my attitude. Smile. That’s it. Simple little thing like a smile—even if you don’t feel like it. Smile. Try it. Suddenly things seem brighter…clearer. Christ’s attitude was perfect…humble and obedient to His Father. Clearly obedient.  Now with that smile on your face…can you see yourself as obedient to our Heavenly Father? Seeing things clearly makes me want to be obedient. How about you?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, You listen to the Father—and do whatever He says. Help me to listen, hear, and obey doing everything it is that He wants me to do.

 

© 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

 

Are You Spiritual?

Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach Him?" But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16 NLT

 

It may seem a little presumptuous of Christians to say we understand because we have the mind of Christ. I for one feel a little more humble…I know I can’t teach the Lord anything…because He knows everything. He is omniscient. I only learn from Him! Of course one of the things I’ve learned is…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2. That “renewing of your mind” transforms us to think like Jesus Christ…so we do actually obtain the mind of Christ. Think on those things, my brothers and sisters. Are you spiritual? You bet you are…me, too. We just have a spiritual component to our being. But we must be careful not to think of this spirituality as the same as people do who are in the world…worldly. Our spirituality is from God…not from spirits that roam about seeking to enlighten people of the world. Check whatever you are dealing with spiritually with the Word of God.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, guide us to help us know that what we perceive spiritually is from You—things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Let these things be—part of our life, our thoughts—that we would have the mind of Christ.

 

© 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

What Ya Thinkin'?

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. Romans 8:5 NLT

 

Where is your mind? Your thoughts? Is the Holy Spirit guiding your mind and thoughts? One of my favorite verses is found in Philippians. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8 NLT. Fix your mind—keep focused on good stuff. Allow the Holy Spirit to control your thoughts, words, and ultimately your actions, too. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3. Stubborn humans that we are…we want to think and do what we want to think and do. No one controlling us! But when we give our lives to Jesus, we give up that selfish attitude…or at least begin to do that. It is an ongoing struggle for most new Christians. Paul gives us good advice in his letter to the church at Philippi—think on the good stuff. That is what is pleasing to the Holy Spirit. Please the Holy Spirit—please God. Live couldn’t be sweeter. Not even chocolates or peppermints are sweeter than doing the will of God…pleasing Him. Think about that.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, may our thoughts, words and actions be pleasing to You. Give us the grace to humble ourselves and do whatever it takes to focus our thoughts on the good things—things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. We 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

Looking for God’s Will for You?

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT

 

When a person becomes a Christian—they change. Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus… Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT. That is just how we want to be…to live. In holiness.

 

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 15:18-20 Amplified

 

As a man thinks in his heart, so he is. Proverbs 23:7. So how is your heart? Let the Holy Spirit change you—for the better…and look for God’s will for your life—to be pleasing and obedient to Him.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, refresh my heart, my mind, and my mouth, that all I think, say and do would be pleasing to You and help others to see that not all church goers are hypocrites.

 

© 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

Live Love

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:2 NLT

 

Love. That is what we all want to have most in life. Sure we need three meals…plus snacks…clothes, a roof over our heads. But what we really NEED and seek is love. Have you heard that you were born with a hole…really a vacant spot…in your heart? That space is to be filled with love…and we spend our time, energy and resources trying to fill it up. Longing for love and attention my little five month old granddaughter gives us all a shrieking yell. Not a cry…a fierce yell—with a smile. When she gets your attention—her smile gets even bigger and she may even giggle. So sweet. That is love—given and received.

 

This idea of a pleasing aroma has come up a couple of times lately. God seems to like the offerings that are given to Him BURNT. To us burnt food stinks—to God it is a pleasant aroma. Ahhhh! What is a pleasant aroma to you? Garlic and sweet Walla Walla onions browning. Brownies or fresh bread—especially cinnamon bread—right from the oven. Lavender and rosemary soap.

 

Christ gave Himself—willingly—as a sacrifice for our sin. His obedience was a sweet, pleasing aroma to God the Father. Love—from the Father to the Son —from the Son to the Father—from the Father to the world…to each of us. We don’t have to die on a cross to follow Christ’s example…we just have to be obedient to our Heavenly Father. Sacrifice our selfishness. That obedience will be a pleasing aroma to God.  

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, fill us with Your love—that we may be like Christ. Loving and pleasing to God.

 

© 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

Put on Love

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14 NLT

 

Have you ever heard perfect harmony? It is beautiful…well, I imagine it is beautiful. I’m a bit tone deaf—but if someone sings alto in my ear…I can sing alto along with them. It is sweet music when joined with soprano, tenor and bass singers. I love three or four part harmony—especially a cappella or even when accompanied by a piano or guitar. Heaven is going to be glorious—gathered around the throne singing constantly to the Lord. I can hardly wait. That will be a joyous expression of love. Here on earth, now, love connects us together with each other and with God. That is the important relationship. You and God. Me and God. But what would those relationships be without the Holy Spirit? Shallow? Empty? Non-existent? The Holy Spirit fills us with love…an essential ingredient that creates a bond in a relationship. Love. The most important quality…in all of life this side of Heaven and beyond. What is life without Love? Empty. God is love. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8 NLT. Are you clothed in God’s love?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, help us to see God’s love for us and within us…that we would love others.

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

It’s time for cool summer drinks. Here’s one that has less than 150 calories—and comes highly recommended by my daughter-in-law who loves caramel.

 

Caramel Frappuccino

1 cup double strength freshly brewed coffee, chilled

1¼ cups half-n-half

3 Tbsp sugar, or to taste

2 Tbsp Caramel topping

2 cups ice cubes

¼ cup fat-free whipped topping—or canned whipped cream

 

Combine all the ingredients, except the whipped topping, in a blender on high speed until the ice cubes are crushed and drink is smooth. Pour into two tall glasses and top with whipped topping. Garnish with additional caramel sauce, if desired. Serve with straws. Serves 2. Enjoy.

 

© 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

Fruit—Not Peaches or Watermelon

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

 

I’ve always been amazed that there is ONE fruit of the Spirit with all those different qualities—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Such admirable qualities. Who wouldn’t want love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in their lives? I’ve tried to explain to my three-year old granddaughter that Jesus wants us to sit still and be in control of our bodies—no bouncing feet and legs—focusing on pure stillness. That is “self-control.” Self-control honors God. As Paul taught Timothy, self-control is important daily and in the end times—because those lacking control won’t be honoring God and are to be avoided. Life is too short not to honor God. But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these. 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Look the way the world is going…lovers of self…without self-control. With no self-control, there is no peace…no love, certainly no joy, or faithfulness. All those qualities are intertwined—just like the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit are intertwined. Do you see or seek those fruitful attributes in your life?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—fill us again with Your love and Your fruit that we would be joyful before the Lord…gratefully serving Him with faithfulness, self-control, patience and kindness towards everyone, with heartfelt goodness and a gentle, peaceful attitude. We praise and adore 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

No Separation From God’s Eternal Love

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

 

These things…what things? We have to go back and look at the preceding verses. God has known us forever. He gave up His Son—His only Son— who died on a cross so that we could have eternal life with Him. Because of the depth of that sacrificial gift (justification) for us—all of us—they (God the Father and His Son) will give us all things—everything we ask for and need. To top it off, Jesus will intercede for us to the Father. Who can separate us from the love of Christ? (Romans 8:35). No one—nothing. It is God’s love and what He has done for us—that is the “these things.” So we have victory in our lives because Jesus loves us—so much He died for us and was raised from the grave because of His Father’s love for us. Nothing can keep us separated from God’s love—not our past, present or future situations, no one, not even death or life itself. Nothing. What an overwhelmingly comforting promise! God is good. We can trust Him. I am convinced of His love…how about you?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, remind me today—every hour—that nothing can separate me from God’s love. Help me to show and share the love of the Jesus with everyone I meet…even the strangers in my midst.

 

© 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

See No Evil, Hear No Evil

Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans 12:21 NLT

 

Paul is advising the Romans to stay away from evil…don’t get involved in evil schemes—but to choose good activities. Similar advice is written to the church at Thessalonica. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NLT.

 

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught those people seated on the hillside above the Sea of Galilee…Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.  Matthew 6:21 NLT.

 

Don't worry about the wicked (the evil doers) or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust Him, and He will help you. Psalm 37:1-5 NLT.

 

Is the desire of your heart to do good? Be careful…temptation exists. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:8-10.

 

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. James 1:12-14 NLT

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, create in us a renewed spirit—to endure testing and temptation. Help us to make good choices—for good and not for evil. Keep us from temptation, and deliver us from evil—for Yours is the Kingdom. Come quickly, Lord God.

 

© 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

 

Hungry or Thirsty?

…If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads. Romans 12:20 NLT

 

Wisdom of Proverbs gives us the same message that Paul was writing to the Romans. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you. Proverbs 25:21-22.

Enemies are difficult to deal with so Jesus taught…"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:43-45.

 

When His disciple asked about the end times Jesus taught about feeding and clothing people like Himself—not specifically enemies, but the way that all people should be treated.

But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.' Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?' Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me. 'These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Matthew 25:31-46

So putting these examples together shows us how to treat others and they are good lessons to remember as we encounter others in need. Those are people in need of food, water, clothing and even something as simple as a visit. When was the last time you provided food, clothing, or water for another Christian or even just a stranger? Have you ever visited someone in prison—even if it is the prison is just their own home—or the prison within their own feelings of loneliness?   

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, awake in us the awareness of those in need…and provide the means for us to meet their need as we allow the love of Jesus to flow through us to others.

 

© 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

Abba's Revenge

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD. Romans 12:19 NLT

 

Revenge—to punish someone for something they did to you. Revenge may seem like a sweet way to end an argument or avenge a wrong…but is it? Will it just result in…bitterness—separating us from God? In regret? In more retaliation or more revenge on us for our actions? According to God’s word, let Him handle the injustice. Abba Father can handle it. Revenge is not sweet. It will leave a bitter taste in your mouth and soul. Forgiveness gives a sweet taste—a release to one’s very soul and body.

 

There is an interesting passage in Revelation that gives us an example of God’s revenge for martyrs.

When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. Revelation 6:9-11

Rest a while. No revenge.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give us grace to choose not to seek revenge, but to choose to forgive and allow God to punish those who have offended us.

 

© 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

Peace?

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 NLT

 

Will peace ever come to our world? With the agreement that requires continual inspection of Iran for development of nuclear weapons—in exchange for less sanctions and their ability to enter the oil market again, peace will not be guaranteed in the Middle East. Israel will still live in fear of attack by terrorists and invasion by their neighbors. There is no peace accord…no assurance of peace in that region. In the next fifteen years that this Iran agreement covers, is the world assured that Iran will not developed a nuclear weapon anyway? Their own integrity is at stake…but do they care?

 

Do all that you can to live at peace with others…in your home, neighborhood, community and world. What steps will you take today to provide and protect peace…in your own spirit and in your physical environment?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, surround us with Your grace and love that we would seek peace, not only within our own lives…but with others in our home, neighborhood and community. Love and peace start here…within our hearts and our homes. Guide and direct us…showing us ways to seek peace and to be peaceful with others. Thank you that You care enough about us to help us do what is right.

 

© 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

Payback?

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Romans 12:17 NLT

 

We should try to stay as far away from evil as possible—and certainly not engage in any evil practices. Don’t be tempted to succumb to evil deeds. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Proverbs gives us some good guidance on evil.

For there will be no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out. Proverbs 24:20  

Do not say, "Thus I shall do to him as he has done to me; I will render to the man according to his work." Proverbs 24:29  

Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and He will save you. Proverbs 20:22.

God will repay people…we don’t need to take things into our hands. For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." and again, "the Lord will judge His people." Hebrews 10:30. It may be hard to let go of things that we feel deserve punishment. It isn’t up to us, the Lord will punish those He feels deserve His justice. We are to act honorably—to treat others as we would treat Jesus Himself—even if we don’t feel they deserve. Do you feel that your actions are honorable—worthy of the Lord?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, create once again in me once again a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me that everything I think, say, and do would be honorable. Protect me, my family and friends from evil practices and situations that occur in life. Help us not to even want to pay back evil for evil.

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

My daughter-in-law’s favorite “cake” for her birthday can actually be considered an ice cream pie. Here’s the one I made for her special day this year.

 

Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie

1 package Oreo cookies, crushed or grated in the food processor

1 cube of unsalted butter, softened

2 cartons of Reese’s Peanut Butter ice cream, slightly softened

1 bag of large Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup candy bars, frozen, and crushed

Chocolate fudge sauce

Cool Whip or canned whipped cream

 

Mix soft butter and crushed cookies. Press into a 9X12 inch glass casserole dish. Freeze for a few minutes. Cut one carton of ice cream in about ½ inch slices and spread evenly over cookie crust. Top with crushed candy. Spread remaining carton of ice cream over the crushed candy. Freeze until firm, several hours or overnight. Drizzle with chocolate fudge sauce. Garnish with whipped cream, or dollops of Cool Whip. Freeze again, or serve immediately. Enjoy!

 

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

 

© 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

Live in Harmony

Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! Romans 12:16 NLT

 

Whoa! Good advice—live in harmony and don’t be a know it all! No one likes a know it all—they are the ones that people tend to walk away from in a group conversation…and try to escape from if they are just speaking  with one-on-one. I know…I used to be one of “those” people. My opinion always counted and I felt like I was always right—I know. I’ve been humbled over the years and shown that I don’t know it all. I try to listen more than talk now. Listening is a good thing. And ordinary people are those with whom I want to hang out. They aren’t out to impress you, although like anyone else they do want to let you know that they’ve been to the Empire State Building three times and shook hands with President Reagan. Hmmm. I guess I do know influential people. It’s not who you know…or where they’ve been…but do they know the Lord as their Savior—their Messiah? Have they developed a relationship with the Lord? Are you encouraging others—and are you holding each other accountable for your spiritual growth?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, help me to live in harmony with my fellow Christians and enjoy everyone’s company. May we see You in each other. As we grow together in our relationship with You and with one another, may we bring others into a bond with Jesus, too. We will never know too much about You, Lord God, this side of heaven, but reveal ways to us that we can serve You and love others for who they are.

 

© 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.

Smiles or Tears

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 NLT

 

It is pretty easy to be happy when you are around someone who is truly happy—rejoicing! But it can be awkward to be around people who are mourning or weeping—crying their eyes out. If it family or someone with whom you are really close...then it is easier to cry along with them—to feel their pain. When was the last time you really cried with someone? Years ago I discovered that crying gave me a headache—so I stopped crying at things like weddings. My eyes do water easily…so saying “good-bye” to loved ones…and even reading some Facebook postings brings tears to my eyes. What am I to do? I’m weeping with those who weep. The Holy Spirit is giving guidance to the Romans…and to us as well. Don’t worry…be happy…and go ahead and cry. It’s good for others and for you.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, create in us empathy for deeply feeling the joy and sorrows of our fellow Christians.

 

© 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.

Persecuted?

Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Romans 12:14 NLT

 

Persecution. Here in the United States, we hardly know what the word means. In other countries like North Korea, Iraq, Nigeria, Syria, and Somalia, Christians are experience REAL persecution—even death for their belief in Christ. Paul advices the Romans not to curse those persecutors. We have a promise from God  …The LORD your God will inflict all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecuted you. Deuteronomy 30:7. He will ultimately take care of those evil doers—bless them instead of cursing them.

 

Jesus spoke about persecution…Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12. I cannot imagine rejoicing at being tortured, mistreated or killed—but what a privilege to stand up for Christ. Those Christians are to be blessed—and honored.

 

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35.  

 

Prayer ~ Jesus, be with our brothers and sisters around the world—and give them strength to endure the persecution that they are experiencing. Remind us that nothing and no one can separate us from Your love—and if we should ever have to face persecution…may we through the Holy Spirit find our strength in Your love and grace in our lives.

 

© 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.

Needy People Need Hospitality

When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 NLT

 

God’s people—the family of God—Christians—are brothers and sister of Christ. God has promised to provide for “needs” not wants. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19. God promises to take care of us. In one of the most beloved psalm it says…The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 Jesus talked to His disciples about taking care of the “needs” of His followers—and about hospitality.

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' "Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' "Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' "And he will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.' "And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life." Matthew 25:34-46 NLT

Things haven’t changed. People still have “needs” and we need to take care of others when a need arises. If you were the one in “need” you would want someone to help you out. That is what our welfare system started out to do…but it seems that it has gotten out of control. For now—within the church it is best if we just help those who need help—practice hospitality. Be generous with our time and resources—food, water, clothes and ability to just visit others or invite them into our homes. Just as Jesus taught His disciples, we will be rewarded or punished for our actions. What will you do today to help those in need?

 

Prayer ~ Jesus, just as You taught Your disciples, I want to be ready to help others. Holy Spirit, open my eyes to opportunities to serve others and my heart to be willing to obey.

 

© 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.

 

Our Hope is in the Lord

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 NLT

 

The Holy Spirit gives us hope. There are 140 occurrences of hope in the NASB translation and 146 times in the NLT versions of the Bible. That is a lot of HOPE. From Job… Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn't your life of integrity give you hope? Job 4:6 NLT. Other verses of encouragement offering hope:

·         So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD! Psalm 31:24 NLT

·         And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Psalm 39:7 NLT

·         Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone. Psalm 33:22 NLT

·         Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again--my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:5 NLT

·         So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Psalm 78:7 NLT

·         When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Psalm 94:19 NLT

·         Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows. Psalm 130:7 NLT

·         For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. 1 Timothy 4:10

·         in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago….Titus 1:2

·         For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus….Titus 2:11-13

·         In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. Hebrews 6:17-18

·         Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13

 

Prayer ~ Jesus, our hope is in You, Lord. Holy Spirit—give us wisdom to pray and handle the truth of God’s Word, sharing it with those who still need to hear and understand it.

 

© 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.

R U Lazy?

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12:11 NLT

 

There is so much wisdom in the Bible, mostly in Proverbs, about not being lazy. Here are a few:

·         Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich. Proverbs 10:4 NLT

·         Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave. Proverbs 12:24 NLT

·         Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Proverbs 13:4 NLT

·         A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things. Proverbs 18:9 NLT

·         Lazy people sleep soundly, but idleness leaves them hungry. Proverbs 19:15 NLT

·         Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest. Proverbs 20:4 NLT

·         Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. Proverbs 21:25 NLT

·         Lazy people take food in their hand but don't even lift it to their mouth. Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors. Proverbs 26:15-16 NLT

·         Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NLT

I hope that you never choose to be lazy. Sure we may have days when we just want to kick back and relax…and not do much of anything, but it should not become a way of life. Consider the results of laziness—no food, slavery, and the poor house.

 

On the other hand, hard work will be rewarded.

·         Work hard to enter the narrow door to God's Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. Luke 13:24 NLT

·         Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT

·         Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. Philippians 2:12 NLT

 

Serve the Lord enthusiastically—with love and honor for Him and others.

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—Open my eyes to my attitude. Am I lazy in any way? Show me how I can work hard to serve and 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.