Listen to the Spirit

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to Him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.  Jude 24-25 NLT

Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 NLT

This has been a year of focusing on the Holy Spirit. Once again…Listen to the Spirit. The reward to those who listen will be fruit of the Tree of Life. That is one of those marvelous trees in the Garden of Eden. The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Genesis 2:9 NLT. The Tree of Life gives fruit that allows the person eating it to live forever. Unfortunately Adam and Eve didn’t make good choices and to prevent them from unworthily eating from the Tree of Life, God banished them from the Garden of Eden. After sending them out, the LORD God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And He placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24 NLT

Near the end of the Book of Revelation we again see the Tree of Life mentioned in regards to a River of Life that flows from the Throne of God. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations. Revelation 22:2 NLT. This reminds me of one of my favorite scripture passages…Psalm 1.

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:1-3.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 NLT

Tree of Life. I’ve come to love that symbol of the Tree of Life—knowing that it is treasured by God, honored by men, and satisfies everyone who dreams…especially of Heaven and eternal life. I frequently wear a Tree of Life necklace reminding me of God’s love and promise. I look forward to studying a year of WISDOM for this blog in 2016. And here is a verse of promise with which to start…Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:18 NLT

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit…Help me to listen to You, to embrace wisdom and choose to honor You in all that think, say and do. You are worthy of all praise. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me all during 2015. Please continue to bless and guide me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone!

© 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 Ready?

Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit. Be like men who are waiting for their Master when He returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to Him when He comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the Master will find on the alert when He comes; truly I say to you, that He will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. …You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect. Luke 12:35-37, 40

Are you ready? We don’t know when Jesus will return. Even Jesus Himself doesn’t know when He’ll return. However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son Himself. Only the Father knows. Mark 13:32 NLT. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom when He tells us to be ready. We don’t want to be out seeking more oil for our lamps, i.e. the Holy Spirit—like five of the ten virgins who were waiting for the bridegroom in Jesus’ parable found in Matthew 25:1-13. Nor do we want to be left behind—as in the parable of the two women grinding grain into flour (Luke 17:35). He told that to His disciples after the Pharisees had asked Him about the Kingdom of God. People throughout history have thought that Jesus would return soon…or during their lifetime. More prophesies are lining up…like Israel returning to the Promised Land…and the continual wars and rumors of wars in the Middle East. But still we don’t know if this return of Christ will happen soon or if it will be another hundred years or even 100 days. Whenever it is…be ready. Jesus is getting ready for us in Heaven by building lots of extra rooms for us. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:2-3 NLT. So when we get there we won’t have to be like Joseph and Mary with no place to stay…we’ll have a place of our own! We can hope that Jesus’ promise happens soon. He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's holy people. Revelation 22:20-21 NLT

Prayer ~ Praise to the Holy Spirit for He is worthy of praise. Holy Spirit…I think it is possible that You are always ready. I am listening for Your voice to teach me and help me remember to be prepared for the greatest day of my life…the day that I go to be in Heaven. You will be there with me for I am claiming that promise that You will never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).

© 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.

The Holy Spirit Lives in Us

Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything. Dear friends, if we don't feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please him. And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. Those who obey God's commandments remain in fellowship with Him, and He with them. And we know He lives in us because the Spirit He gave us lives in us. 1 John 3:18-24 NLT

Obey God. Stand confident before Him. Believe. Love one another. Show the truth in our actions. Pretty straight forward…even simple. God knows all about us. 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. Psalm 139:1-6. He knows me, totally, and loves me anyway. And He lives within me…He is deeply part of my very being. That is overwhelming. Where do you stand with the Lord? Can you stand before Him with confidence? Are you obedient and do things that please Him?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I stand confidently before You and God the Father, knowing that You know my heart—and that I believe I Jesus, the Son of God, as my Savior. You are an awesome God—worthy of my praise…of all praise.

© 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

Now is the Time to Pray

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:13-16

We must pray…at all times according to Ephesians 6:18. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…. Ephesians 6:18. What about those times when we just don’t know what to say to the Lord God…then what? The Holy Spirit has provided an assurance that He knows what we need before we do…and is there to intercede to the Heavenly Father for us. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I confess that I have been suffering with a bad…attitude. Sometimes people may suffer with a bad cold, flu or toothache…but my distress is due to my own poor attitude. Thanks for showing me that I once again just need to change it. Guide my thoughts that they would be acceptable to You…and to the Heavenly Father. I recognize that it is only with God’s grace that my attitude will change. I can’t do it by myself, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

© 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

Shining Light

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

The Holy Spirit always glorifies The Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus. Worthy is the Lamb…Praise be to God the Father. The Holy Spirit is very humble. Without Him—the Holy Spirit—we wouldn’t know God the Heavenly Father or Jesus, The Son of God…who is almighty God Himself. What a concept. The Holy Spirit is not only our comforter, He is our teacher and our reminder. Our helper at every curve in the highway…along the straight or narrow road.

We’ve just had a full moon—glorious and shining. Is that the way we let our light shine for Jesus? Like the children’s song…don’t put your light under a bushel basket—let your light shine until Jesus comes.   

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—help me to let my light shine —my enthusiasm for Jesus to be evident to all—to go forth as a bold light into a hurting, untrusting world. May all that I do be seen as a positive action…and draw other to Him.

© 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

Hearts Filled With Love

Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:2-5 NLT

Christmas is over…or is it? Epiphany isn’t until January 6^th and this poem or litany, Now the Work of Christmas Begins, was written by Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, educator, and Civil Rights Leader, to mark the end of the Christmas Season. May that work begin now…in our hearts.

“Now the Work of Christmas Begins”

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flocks,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among the people,

To make music in the heart.

These actions are all things that Jesus did. Think about what you need to do on a daily basis to keep Christmas alive, not only in your own life, but in the lives of those around you, all year long. Keeping Christmas alive allows God to work in our hearts—filling us with His love—so that we can love others for Him.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, help me to find the lost in the community around me, to assist in healing those with broken spirits, to feed the hungry—spiritually and physically, to release those who are prisoners within their emotions or homes that they would be rebuilt physical or spiritually, to bring peace to those nearby and to make music within my heart—that it may flow out to others around me. Let Your love shine.

© 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

Plans Prophesied - Give Us Christmas

O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. Psalm 40:5 NLT

Merry Christmas!  All of God’s plans focus on this day…the Day of Jesus’ birth. Jesus fulfilled over 350 Biblical prophesies—100 of them were just about His birth. So what difference does it make? That is an amazing number. No one else can claim that. No other rulers or anyone alive or dead has a record like that of Jesus. God arranged for all those prophesies to be written in the Bible—so that people would believe. God is powerful and awesome—yet loving. His plans and prophesies give us hope. Hope for future. A future in a bright and shining place where there will be no more tears or disappointments. It is prophesied—and we can count on God to see that that His prophesies are fulfilled—just like those foretelling of Jesus. Do you believe that God keeps His promises? Do you believe in Jesus as the Messiah? That is what Christmas is all about. God kept His promise to give the world a Savior—a Messiah. Jesus Christ.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, Thank you for revealing God’s truth, His prophesies and His plan for us and for the world. May someone reading this find new hope in God’s love and grace in their lives today.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

In honor of my friend, Belinda Niemi, who went to be with the Lord on December 16th.

She worked with my husband, Jerry, became a dear friend, and gave us this recipe years ago. She brought our family this favorite dish the day that Jerry’s Dad died and I can still picture her coming up our sidewalk with a big pan full of these enchiladas. True comfort food. She also taught us to make home-made salsa that is equal parts green, red and white ingredients. Thanks, Belinda—for the memories, time cooking together and friendship in the Lord. You blessed a lot of people.

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas

            One onion, chopped

            2 Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded

            8 large tortillas

            1 pound mixed shredded cheese

            1 can green chilies

       White sauce gravy:

            ¾ stick butter

            4-5 Tbsp flour

            3½ cups milk

            3 Tbsp chicken broth

            1 can green chilies

Melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually add milk, chicken broth, and green chilies.

Line bottom of baking pan with thin layer of gravy. Warm up tortillas, by frying in a small amount of oil. Roll chicken into tortillas with some chopped onion and cheese. Place tortillas into baking pan. Pour remaining gravy over top of tortillas. Bake for 15 minutes at 350º. (This can be prepared ahead of time at this point. Refrigerate. Bake for 30 minutes.) Serve with a tossed salad, chips and home-made salsa.

© 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

Plans for the Future

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

Christmas Eve. God had a plan from the beginning of time. It included His Son—a gift to mankind. A sacrifice for us all. A sacrifice by God the Heavenly Father—giving up His one and only Son to come and live among His creation—mankind, who had gotten a little rebellious and disobedient—except for a few people. In order for humans to approach the throne of God…to be in His presence…they must be pure and holy. That could only happen if blood were shed, sacrificed. That is just what God sent His Son, Jesus, to do. To be our sacrificial lamb. He had plans for us…from the beginning. He loved us so much He gave His Son as our sacrifice. That gives us a hope—a hope of one day standing before God, pure and spotless because Jesus gave His life…His blood…to take away our sins and make us pure and holy. That is a good plan—it gives us a future and definitely HOPE.

May you be blessed as you celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, our Lord—who gave His human life and blood to purify us—like an ancient sacrifice, all in accordance with God’s plan.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, remind us yet again throughout this day of the sacrifice God the Father, and Jesus, His Son, made so that we might live eternally with them in Heaven. What a plan! Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your part in God’s plan…to be our reminder, our teacher, our helper, and our counselor. You are an awesome 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.

Can Repentance Be Impossible?

For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—and  who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing Him to the cross once again and holding Him up to public shame. Hebrews 6:4-6 NLT

Don’t nail my Lord to the cross again! Encourage all your Christian friends that they would stay strong in the Lord—no matter what trials they may seem to be going through. Some people blame God when things don’t go well for them—they certainly don’t want to “repent” although that is exactly what Jesus preached near the beginning of His ministry, after He had settled in Capernaum. From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 4:17. Repent. Repentance. That is regretting and feeling sorry for past sin; turning away from that wrong. The author of Hebrews is telling us that it is impossible for those people who have been close to God…to the Holy Spirit…and turned away from God, rejected Jesus Christ to repent. Repentance is humbling—but it is also necessary for us to set things right with God… so that we can stand before Him in a glorious and holy state. We must be pure and holy if we are to go before God. Where do you stand with God? Don’t turn your back on Him. Repentance will be impossible.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—keep me in check that I would never turn my back on God—that I would be pure and holy—ready to stand before God at any time—since we never know just when our time on earth will be over. May I be an encouragement to other Christians—especially during these holy days of the Christmas season. Don’t get discouraged and turn against God. He loves us too much to be rejected by us—but we can’t reject Jesus and expect to live forever with Him. Thank you for revealing this truth to me.

© 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

Last Times…Turning Away

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer. 1Timothy 4:1-5 NLT

The Last Times…Last Days. Are we in those days? What will we eat that will gratefully honor the Lord? Who is going to reject some good food? There are always some picky eaters that won’t eat what is put before them…and they are not three year olds—but thirty plus year olds. Are they turning away from the Lord, spiritually? Ungrateful for their spiritual food? Are they the ones following deceptive spirits and false teaching? Hypocrites and liars? Look in the mirror. What do you see? Take stock in your thoughts, words and actions. Are you slowly turning away from the truth—from the Lord? Slowly slip-sliding away? How can you prevent that from happening?

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:7-8 NLT

That is the key to obedience. Know God’s word and courageously meditate on it and follow it.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, guard my heart, thoughts and mind that I would continually seek to know God’s word and be obedient to Him. Help me to encourage other Christians that they would not turn away from the Truth.

© 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.

Living Until Christ Returns

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him forever.

• So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Dear brothers and sisters,

• …honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.

• And live peacefully with each other.
• 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. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
• Always be joyful.
• Never stop praying.
• Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
• Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.
• Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said.
• Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

1 Thessalonians 5:10-23 NLT

We’re just waiting for Christ’s return—for our time to go to be with Him in Heaven—but there are things to be done while we wait! This list in the scripture above is a great place to start. Maybe you can make this your goal or “Do List” for 2016. I think the key is to ENCOURAGE other Christians. It is important for us to bring people to a saving knowledge of the Lord…for them to make their own decision to have Christ as their Savior, their Messiah, but again and again the task at hand is to help or encourage other Christians. Maybe by encouraging other in the Lord more people will be reached and brought to Salvation. No efforts for the Lord will be lost.

I particularly liked that we should not stifle the Holy Spirit. I grew up watching “All in the Family” and Archie Bunker was always telling his wife, Edith, to “stifle it” when he knew she was right, but he was so bigoted that only he could have the right answers. We can’t restrain the Holy Spirit—even if we tried. We would actually be stifling ourselves…our spiritual growth. We really need to be thankful—as it says in all circumstances—especially for being a part of God’s family, for the knowledge, wisdom and understanding that is granted to us by the Holy Spirit, and for God’s grace in our lives.  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, Thank you for God’s grace in my life…for the encouragement that You give me that keep me going through the little trials in daily life…and for constantly reminding me that God loves me. Help me to be an encouragement to other Christians around me. Give me joy in my life that overflows into those around me—to that great cloud of witnesses—of which I am a part.

Lord, please be a special blessing today to Matt and James as they deal with the loss of their mother. Guide and direct them, not just today—but in all the days ahead of them. Fill that emptiness in their hearts with Your love and hope for their futures.

© 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 Thirsty?

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39

I thought I had more time…time to connect with a friend who had cancer. But her last day came and went…and I wasn’t there. On the last day—of the Feast of Tabernacles—Jesus spoke to the crowds of people at the Temple. He had some time…it was not His Time, yet. We always want more time…more time to spend with friends and family…more time to do projects and tasks…more time to be entertained…more time to study or work. More time. We need to take advantage of the time at hand. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today, except work—since some consider Sunday the Christian Sabbath, so we shouldn’t actually do any work today.

Jesus spoke about the Holy Spirit—flowing in people like a river—a river of living water. I’ve often seen people moved by the Holy Spirit as inspired conversation and spiritual discussion flowed from person to person—that is the Holy Spirit at work. Living water. I find it interesting that the Lord is referred to as “living water” even in the Old Testament.

O LORD, the hope of Israel, all who turn away from you will be disgraced. They will be buried in the dust of the earth, for they have abandoned the LORD, the fountain of living water. Jeremiah 17:13 NLT

What wisdom—don’t turn away from the Lord, or you will be disgraced.

To the woman at the well, Jesus said…But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.  John 4:14 NLT

In the Revelation to John, Jesus said…It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. Revelation 21:6

Are you thirsty?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, flow in and through us, like a river of living water. Give us living water that we won’t ever be thirsty again. Help us to use our time wisely…as we only have so much time here. May we be a blessing to others during this holy season…as You are a blessing to us.

© 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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Calm Your Soul

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; nor do I involve myself in great matters, or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forever. Psalm 131:1-3

Prepare your heart for the Holy Spirit and your life for the holy days ahead of us—not for the Santa experience—but for the real reason for the Season…the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Quiet your soul. That is what David is writing about in this short three verse Psalm. Taking on a quiet, calm and tranquil spirit within oneself. No rush, no hurry, and no hidden agenda. Just a simple focus on the Lord. That is my hope for each of you as you face this last week before Christmas. Relax and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Have hope for yourself, your family, friends and neighbors…and for the nation of Israel. This holy season for us commemorates Christ’s birth in a week…and for the Jews, Hanukkah—the Festival of Lights was just celebrated earlier in December. Pray especially for hope for Israel as they continue to face attacks of violence in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Hope. It may seem simple for us as terrorism is not as evident—although it is becoming more of a problem here in the United States. Calm your soul with the hope and love of the Lord. Watch for the Holy Spirit to be at work in your life—but you may need to be in a tranquil state to see evidence of Him working in and through you.  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—bless us with hope, peace and tranquility that can only come from You as we focus on You, take time to calm our spirits and reflect on what You, Jesus, and the Heavenly Father have done 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.

Praying

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Jude 20-23.

Jude is only one chapter long—only 25 short verses—written by Jesus’ half-brother.

Pray—in the Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit speak to, in and through you as you pray. Don’t have your own agenda—let the Spirit tell you who, what and when to pray about or for. Be quiet before Him—and let Him guide your prayer time.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

Romans 8:26 NLT

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.                                                  Ephesians 6:18 NLT

I love that when I don’t know what to pray…the Holy Spirit takes over and prays for me. I’ve experienced that—groanings too deep to express several times in my life…and the Holy Spirit was right there with me—even when I felt all alone. God is good!

Pray. There is no better way to start or end your day. My favorite advice in praying is follow the ACTS acrostic. Give God the Adoration He deserves. Then Confess any sin in your life that you haven’t already addressed. Next give an adulation of Thanksgiving. All things come from God—so generously thank Him. Lastly, it is appropriate for prayers of Supplication. Ask…and you will receive. Keep on asking. Jesus taught that in Matthew 7:7 and Luke 11:9. The things for which we ask may be for others—like salvation, health, or physical needs. There is nothing that is too great for God. He has all the power—and it is His kingdom that we truly seek and for which we wait—with great hope!

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, You are worthy of my praise and adoration—I adore You. Please forgive me for not showing more concern and care for my fellow Christians today…and during this holiday season as the time is racing past. I am truly Thankful for my wonderful family, friends and neighbors—and for Your love, guidance, wisdom, protection, and above all the prayers that You offer to the Heavenly Father when I can only groan. Please have the grace to help me be more loving…more forgiving…and more Christ-like in my thoughts, words and actions…today and all through the coming year. Please be a blessing to those who are struggling--with health issues...and death of loved ones...during this holy season. I praise You as I know You will wrap Your loving arms around them, comforting and strengthening them--as you have me in the past..

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

This recipe is not on my current diet—which has NO sugar and NO starches. It is a tasty treat that you can serve to your guests over the holidays. I took out some of the nut mixture before adding the sugar—just so I could enjoy it too. My new stove is super-HOT—so I’ve been burning lots of things lately getting used to it. Unfortunately I burned a small amount of these nuts…so do be careful. But even the burned ones were yummy!

Spiced Pecans

2 teaspoon kosher or ground Himalayan salt

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon, heaping, ground cinnamon

Grated orange rind from one orange

2 pound pecan halves

1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons), cut up into small chunks

½ cup packed brown sugar

1½  tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed from the orange used in the grated rind)

Line a sheetpan, or a couple of cookie sheets, with parchment paper and set aside.

Mix the salt, cumin, curry, cayenne, cinnamon and orange peel together in a small bowl and set aside.

Place the nuts in a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until they just start to brown and smell toasted. Do NOT let them burn. Add the butter and stir until it melts. Add the spice mixture and stir to combine. Stir sugar into orange juice. Add to the nut mixture, stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the nuts, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer the nuts to the prepared sheetpan and separate them with a fork or spatula. Allow the nuts to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storage. Can be stored up to 3 weeks.

© 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.

Hear His Voice

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME." Hebrews 3:13-15

The quote is from Psalm 95:7-8. The Israelites hardened their hearts against the Lord at Meribah, in Exodus 17:2, because they were so thirsty they thought that they, their children and animals would die. Listen to the Lord’s voice. Not IF, but WHEN, you hear the Lord’s voice, respond in obedience…trusting Him. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you would hear His voice….Psalm 95:7. Listen to His voice. Pay attention to His directions…to His commands, advice, and the instructions that He gives. God gives directions that provide logical and health issue guidance—like not eating unclean meat…or touching an unclean person, such as one with leprosy. Those specific directions in Leviticus were written to protect the Israelites…and us. Even the Ten Commandments are guidelines to protect people from themselves. Are you listening to God’s Voice?  It is the voice of the Holy Spirit, guiding you in all truth.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, guide us in Truth. Show us the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Show us Jesus that we would live to please the Lord in all that we think, say and do. Give us grace to be obedient.

Only eight days until Christmas.

Are you listening to His Voice?

© 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

Spiritual Songs in Your Heart?

Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. Ephesians 5:17-19 NLT

The other day my six-year old grandson helped himself to some Ranch salad dressing and thoughtlessly opened it upside down right beside the table. Of course, it poured right out onto the floor and his feet. I yelled at him, “Watch what you’re doing!” Yes. I yelled! That upset him and he just stared at me with more Ranch dressing flowing from the bottle. Then I yelled again—don’t do that. He was really upset then and just continued to stand there. Thoughtless actions on both our parts. Eventually he wiped off his feet—but he wouldn’t clean up the pool of dressing on the floor. He just headed for his room to mope about me yelling at him. Eeek! What am I to do? I cleaned up the floor—after all it is my floor and I have standards. Keep it clean! I talked to him and we got back on speaking terms. What would the Lord have me to do? I sure didn’t feel like making music in my heart at that point!

Someone asked me once what I thought the difference is between psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Hymns pretty much seem like spiritual songs—but not all hymns are sung TO the Lord…some are ABOUT Him—so I think that “Spiritual Songs” are those sung TO the Lord. What are your thoughts on that?    

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I sing in my heart to You, for You are worthy of my praise. Holy Spirit, You are welcome in this place and in my heart.

Nine Days until Christmas. Are you singing spiritual songs in your heart?

© 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

Who is Your Advocate?

But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I've told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world's sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, 'The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.' John 16:5-15 NLT

Who is your Advocate? Jesus is speaking to His disciples after they’ve had the Last Supper. He tells them, again, about the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. An advocate is one who speaks up for us—who is on our side. In this regard the Holy Spirit is not only our Advocate, He is our Comforter, Encourager, and Counselor. He is our all in all go to person when we have a need. He’ll speak to the Heavenly Father for us—as our Advocate. He is the Spirit of Truth and guides us in the truth, telling us about the future. No matter what, He gives glory to Jesus and to the Heavenly Father. Glory, glory, glory.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost (Spirit). [Gloria Patri].

Glory to the Lamb who was slain. [Revelation Song].

Both of those are phrases from songs that bring glory to God—the Father and the Son. There aren’t many songs that focus on the glory of the Holy Spirit, although Gloria Patri does mention the Holy Ghost—the King James Biblical name for the Holy Spirit. During this holiday season, remember who your Advocate is and give Him honor.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I honor You, for the way that You help all Christians to focus on God the Father and God the Son and for being my Advocate, Comforter, Encourager, and Counselor. You are worthy of praise. Glory, Glory, Glory.

10 days until Christmas--How do you honor Christ in your heart?

 © 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 Does The Holy Spirit Move?

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it isn't looking for Him and doesn't recognize Him. But you know Him, because He lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, My Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them. John 14:16-21 NLT

Jesus was speaking to His disciples at the Last Supper promising that the Heavenly Father would give the Holy Spirit to them…and us. He also promised once again that He (Jesus) would not abandon them…or us. That is my favorite promise—I cling to it. That same promise is given about the Holy Spirit—He will never leave you. What a comforting and reassuring promise to know that we never have to go through stuff alone…the Holy Spirit is with us—always. So how does the Holy Spirit move? He works in and through us…but by this scripture passage, Jesus is telling us that He leads believers to the truth. Other translations say that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. Jesus said earlier in this chapter… I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT. So deductively, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus…as the Truth. The Holy Spirit didn’t dwell permanently in people until after Pentecost. Jesus was telling His disciples that as believers they would have the Holy Spirit forever with them. All believers have that promise. Are you open to the Holy Spirit working in your life?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—giver of Truth—reveal Yourself more deeply to us that we would see You working in our lives…and working through us to spread the Gospel of Truth. Give us grace to share Your love and peace to all we met today.

© 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

Transformed in God’s Glory

But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:15-18

When you come up to a traffic yield sign, what do you do? You give the right of way to the other drivers. That is what we need to do with the Holy Spirit. Yield to the Holy Spirit.  Where the Holy Spirit is there is liberty or freedom. That’s peace. We need to let the Spirit transform us…remake us. Transformation. From His glory…to our glory.

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

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20-21

Be transformed. Changed to the way that God wants to you live. Are you willing to change…to be transformed?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, transform my life and heart that I would live in a way to please the Lord. Give me liberty—freedom to experience God’s glory. Glory-Glory-Glory!

© 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

Perfect Christmas Gift—The Holy Spirit

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. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? Luke 11:9-13

Have you ever wanted something desperately? Maybe it was something that you lost—like the lost coin I one of Jesus’ parables. The lady searched and then called in her neighbors when she found her lost coin to rejoice with her. Luke 15:8-9. Jesus used this example to show how God rejoices over a lost sinner who repents. I think this is how God wants us to be with the Holy Spirit. He wants us to desire to find Him—to search diligently and ASK the Father for the Holy Spirit in our lives. That infilling of the Holy Spirit is so important for us to grow closer to God…to know Him better because the Holy Spirit will reveal more of the Heavenly Father to us. Interesting how it all works together. We ask the Father for an infilling of the Holy Spirit…and the Holy Spirit opens our eyes and hearts to understanding the Heavenly Father. It has a third dimension, too. The desire for love for others—just like Jesus’ love—is also inspired in us as we seek to know the Father and the Holy Spirit. We can’t have one without the other two. Their beings are intertwined.

If you want to ask for the perfect Christmas gift…ask for the Holy Spirit. God will give Him to you. If you’ve never asked for forgiveness from your sins, you’ll want to start there. God is merciful and will forgive you through the cleansing blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross for each of us. His death and resurrection sets us free from our sins—but we have to ASK for forgiveness. We have to desire it.    

Prayer ~Holy Spirit, I desire to know more of You…more of our Father God…and more of Jesus. Heavenly Father—please give me the desire of my heart…to know You more deeply. Continue to reveal Yourself to me. I praise 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