Praise the Lord…Forever

The LORD will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the LORD! Psalm 146:10

Forever is a long time. Eternity. That is how long the Lord will be our God—both Jews and Gentiles—in Jerusalem and around the world. What an awesome thought…to see yourself praising the Lord as He reigns forever. We will never grow tired of praising Him. How often have you stood in church and just wanted to sit down? Just tired of standing? We will never grow tired of standing, worshipping and praising the Lord in Heaven—forever.

When we wake up in the morning it will be 2017. No matter what the day…or year, what is your priority in life? Will it change just because it is a New Year?

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.  Matthew 6:33 HCSB.

Priorities are a matter of choice. All decisions start with a choice. Choose this day…this moment…whom you will serve.

But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15.

Choose how you will spend your time…whether reading God’s word, reading some other book or magazine, watching TV or playing a video game, texting with a friend or surfing the Internet. Choose. The choice is ultimately up to you. No one is going to make you do anything…other than obediently doing work required by your employer. Even that is a choice…whether to be obedient. It is a matter of attitude, too. Obedience comes with a price. Joyful obedience fosters more joy. Grudgingly being obedient incites unhealthy relationships. Relationships are what life is all about. Our relationships with our spouse, children, other family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors and above all, with God, are all significant. We don’t live life totally isolated—although we sometime may want to be hermits. Life happens in consortia. Worship happens in groups…and individually. We don’t need to be in church or even in a group to praise the Lord. Let it happen in your heart today…and every day in the New Year. Happy New Year.

Prayer ~ Lord God, we praise You. It is from You that all blessings flow. We praise You for all that You have created here on earth—the heavens, the ground, waterways, creatures of the seas and the air, the animals that inhabit the earth with us, trees and plants. We praise You…Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Is There Anything More Important Than Pleasing The Lord?

-          Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1

-          So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please Him. 2 Corinthians 5:9

-          Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. 1 Thessalonians 4:11

-          I press on to reach the end of the race (the goal) and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14

Goals. Without a goal, we fail. If we fail to plan…we fail.

A goal without a plan is just a wish. Antoine de Saint-Exupery – French writer (1900-1944)

With a specific goal and a plan, we will succeed. Press on. Go ahead—try. Without trying there is no accomplishment. As we near the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017, what have been your goals for this past year? Have you achieved them…how did you do it? For the coming year, what are your goals? Paul wrote about some great goals…love, pleasing God, living a quiet life. Are these in your plans?

So how do you go about reaching you goal? Years ago my husband used the Franklin planner calendar system at work. It was a very goal oriented process that involved having annual goals, monthly goals, weekly and then daily goals. It even got down to hourly things to do so achieve those goals. Should we be that specific about achieving our spiritual goals? Why not? Is there anything more important that seeking the Lord…than pleasing Him?

Begin with the end in mind. My goal is to know God more deeply—to have a deeper, greater, unfathomable relationship with the Lord. How will I do this? To start, I’ve set a goal to read through the entire Bible this year. I know it is hard to believe that I haven’t already done this. I probably have read parts of each book of the Bible…but not the entire thing, word by word. I’ve challenged others to join me in this endeavor. Please feel free to come along on this adventure, if the Lord is speaking to you to know Him more. Jesus is the Word… In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 NASB. To know God, we must read, study and absorb the very word of God. The Bible is the living Word. God speaks to us over time, giving us fresh insight each time we read it. Prayer is the beginning of all things, and we should pray before we begin. Ask God to first of all give you a desire to read His word on a regular basis, to provide you insight and understanding as you read, and to help you apply His word to your life. What good is studying God’s word, if we don’t apply it to our lives?

May He grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. Psalm 20:4-5.

Set your goals. Ready, Set, Go!

Prayer ~ Lord, I seek Your Kingdom and righteousness first in my life. Bless me with insight and understanding that our relationship would grow deeper day by day.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

God’s mercy is new every morning. On this eve of New Year’s Eve give yourself a good breakfast. Protein is important for proper brain function. Other nutrients found in vegetables like spinach are essential for daily living.

Herb Goat Cheese Omelets for Two

4 large eggs

1 Tbsp water

1/8 tsp each fresh ground black pepper and fresh ground Himalayan salt, or to taste

¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled

1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped

1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped

½ tsp fresh tarragon, chopped

1 tsp olive oil

1 tsp fresh chives, chopped

Whisk together eggs and water in a bowl. In a separate bowl combine cheese, spinach and herbs. Heat half of oil in a frying pan. Add half of the egg mixture to the warm frying pan, do not stir, but do swirl the eggs around to evenly coat the pan, when the eggs are nearly cooked add half of the cheese mixture evenly over the eggs. Allow to cook a minute, then fold over the omelet in half or thirds. Remove from the pan. Repeat with the second half of the egg mixture, making a second omelet. This provides about 16 grams of protein.

Serve with sliced zucchini and red pepper stir-fry.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Wisdom Review

Just ask the previous generation. Pay attention to the experience of our ancestors. For we were born but yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow. But those who came before us will teach you. They will teach you the wisdom of old. Job 8:8-10

Wisdom is wherever you search for it. Ask God…and He will give it to you. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5. Another way to gain wisdom is just to watch others—especially older folks, that previous generation—around you to see wisdom in in action…or not.

The Jewish Temple...a Model as it was in Jesus' time.
Was this a center for Wisdom?

Here is some of the wisdom I gleaned from friends, relatives and others over the past year.

-          Share your wisdom.

-          Listen to others.

-          Read your Bible. Apply what you learn.
-          For Wisdom…Read Proverbs.
-          True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, & the world around us. Socrates
-          Use 1 tablespoon of coconut oil every morning in your coffee, or tea, to get rid of the belly fat!

-          Six essential qualities that are the key to success: Sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy, wisdom, charity.      William Claire Menninger, Psychiatrist

-          Take care of yourself—no one else will.
-          Accept the things you cannot change.
-          Choose to act wisely.
-          Breathe deeply and often.
-          Teach children what is expected of them and how to behave…BEFORE they are put into a new environment, situation, or place.
-          Choose your friends wisely.
-          Have a good attitude towards God and others.
-          Reflect on what Jesus has done for you…and be Thankful.
-          The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Waldo Emerson
-          Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise. Benjamin Franklin
-          Trust in the Lord.
-          Think positively—have a good attitude…no matter what the circumstances.
-          A smile intentionally on your face will put a smile in your heart.
-          A disciplined and transformed parent will likely have disciplined children.
-          Talking and eloquence are not the same: to speak and to speak well are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.  Heinrich Heine
-          It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.  Albert Einstein
-          “Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, takes off your relish for spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of the body over the mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may seem in itself.”  Suzanne Wesley
-          The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Psalm 118:6
-          Meditate on God’s Word.
-          Obedience is the key. There are three rules to obedience:
1.      Do what you are told.
2.      Do it immediately.
3.      Do it with a good attitude.
-          Stay hydrated, physically and spiritually.
-          Be strong. Put on God’s armor. Stay alert. Pray persistently.
-          Do Not Twist Others’ Words
-          Always wear clean underwear. Regular and spiritual clothes.
-          Jesus is a gentleman.
-          Who do I need to ask for forgiveness?
-          Have you accepted the fact that Jesus died for your sins?
-          Live in harmony and peace.        
-          Mothers know best. Good mothers spend considerable time to train their children teaching them right from wrong and explaining proper, good behavior. Making the right choice is a matter of obedience that honors the training that a child receives.
-          Honor your father and your mother. Exodus 20:12
-          Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be. Abraham Lincoln
-          The past is a dead issue, and we can’t gain any momentum moving toward tomorrow if we are dragging the past behind us. Jack Hayford
-          Integrity. That is the key to a good life with healthy relationships. A key to the beauty within.
-          Be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus. Be willing to suffer hardships for Christ. Be dedicated to Christ.
-          God is Wisdom. God is Love.
So that is my 2016 review of Wisdom from the Banquet With The King blog. There is much wisdom in this world…in God’s word. I can’t possibly gather it all together. God gives us what we need…when we ask. Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Matthew 6:33.    

Prayer ~ Lord, I continue to seek Your will and Your way for my life. Be merciful to me, to my family and to everyone reading this blog. Give them wisdom for the situations they encounter, courage to face anything that comes their way, and above all… joy that fills their hearts and overflows onto everyone around them.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Hope in the Lord

I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!" The LORD is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of His discipline…. Lamentations 3:24-27

The Inheritance of Security in a Home with a  Water View

The Ark in the Netherlands

What is your inheritance? Farmland, lakeside or ocean view property, a house or a mansion, stocks and bonds, or diamonds and pearls? Maybe just an old 1985 Nissan pick-up truck? If you are considering your spiritual inheritance, is it a home in heaven? A room in the Father’s heavenly house as Jesus described in John 14 is a spiritual inheritance that Jesus is preparing for us. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 NASB. What an assurance that Jesus gives us. Not only will we have a home in Heaven…but He himself is going to prepare that place for us. It is like the preparation that a young Jewish man makes when he is betrothed. He adds onto his father’s home and when that addition is ready his father sends for the bridal party and they all gather in the father’s house for the celebration of the marriage and a banquet feast. The Lord is my spiritual inheritance—dining at His banquet table will be an honor and a joy. I put my hope in Him. My hope for eternal life, my hope for understanding, my hope for revelation and understanding of the Lord as I search for Him in God’s word. God has promised…My hope will not disappoint you.

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 NASB

I keep coming back to this…God’s hope will not disappoint me…it will not disappoint you either. Look for His hope in your life and give thanks when you find it.

Prayer ~ Dear God, we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because Your love has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 NASB. I praise You for the hope…for joy, release from fears, worries and petty concerns, for opportunities to serve You, for Your love and guidance in my life, and for a glorious future prepared for me in Heaven. I thank You for who You are…my Lord, my Savior, my King, my spiritual security…my God.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Hope, Comfort and Strength

With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:15-17

A ray of Hope in a gloomy sky

Don’t let any unmet expectations of Christmas…or gloomy weather get you down. The CDC website reports that suicide rates are highest in the fall and spring, not December. That is good news. The best good news is God’s love for us…and the sacrifice and Resurrection of Jesus—that give us hope for our future. That should result in hope for each day. For today. What is your HOPE? Do you hope that you’ll be invited to a New Year’s Eve party? Do you hope you’ll find a great new dress at the after Christmas sale today? Or how about hoping that you’ll lose those ten pounds that crept back onto your body? Loosing those excess pounds again my hope…but spiritually, my hope is to let God’s love shine through me. It is such a wonderful feeling to be used by the Lord. I find it so very humbling, yet exhilarating and encouraging. God is so good. I WANT Him to be not only part of my life…but all of my life. I do want 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. How about you?

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, let the work of Christmas continue in my heart and life…and in those of my family and friends that we would reach the lost for You. Open our eyes and hearts to the opportunities to serve You and release us from the boundaries that we have set for ourselves so that we can see beyond the box of our lives—to see the possibilities that You have for us and to allow You to work in and through us. Give us strength in every good thing that we would say and do the right thing to comfort and offer hope to others.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

The Work of Christmas

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

Jesus told Peter to "Shepherd My Sheep"

Christmas is over…or is it? Epiphany isn’t until January 6^th.  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. From that list above do you see something that you can make for a goal for next year, next month, this week…today? Having a goal motivates us to put our heart's desires into action.

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.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

God’s Love

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16 NLT

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16 KJV

Juan 3:16 RVR60 - Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna.

Jhn 3:16 TR - Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ᾽ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον

God loved the world…God still loves the world today. He gave up His one and only Son so that the whole world…not just the Jews…could have the gift of eternal life. Our bodies may die…but our souls—our spiritual being will live on forever, IF we believe. The choice is ours. Today is Christmas Day. That is the day that we traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Of course, it is more likely that He was born in the spring time…but a time near the Winter Solstice was chosen to be traditional birthday of our Lord. He is the Light of the World…and as the winter light becomes longer, what better time to celebrate the Light of the World?! Merry Christmas to family, friends, and everyone reading this blog this month…in the US, the Philippines, Portugal, Canada, Russia, Germany, Poland, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Ukraine, Burma, China, the Czech Republic, Finland, Ghana, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirate. Since this blog was started nearly five years ago, pages have been viewed by people from 84 different countries. Considering I just started writing it for family and a few close friends…God has reached a lot of people around the world. My hope is that you come to know more about Jesus—as your Savior and Lord—as you read this blog.

Is there a cross on your Christmas tree? There is so much more to knowing Jesus than just recognizing His birth over 2000 years ago. He gave up His life in Heaven to come to earth…to die for the sin of mankind. Blood sacrificed from a living animal is the only way that sin can be forgiven. It was a continuous process until Jesus was crucified on the cross. One sacrifice for all mankind—everyone, everywhere in all time. God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him…in His Son, Jesus—as Lord and Savior—will have eternal life. That eternal life begins in the very soul of the believer the instant they first believe. We don’t have to wait until we get to heaven.

The cross reminds us of the eternal life that Jesus provided by dying on a cross. The Christmas tree is also a symbol of the eternal life that we have in Jesus. Life everlasting—given to us by the Light of the World. Jesus. Is there a cross on your Christmas tree?

Prayer ~ Dear Heavenly Father, You loved the world—and everyone in it—so much that You allowed Your Son to be our sacrificial lamb. I am overwhelmed by Your love…and by His for being so obedient to You and willingly going to the cross. The Lamb that took away the sin of the world. Praise and Glory to You both. My God and My Savior.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Who Besides the Shepherds and Wise Men Worship the King of the Jews?

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. ... When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." ...After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. ...The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:11-12, 15, 17, 20

Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw His star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him." Matthew 2:2

And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” John 19:19

What is the Cross without the Manger or the Manger without the Cross? The Shepherds and the Wise Men went to worship the new baby—the King of the Jews. Only the Wise Men addressed Jesus at His birth as “King of the Jews” while to the shepherds Jesus was addressed as the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord. The next time that Jesus is addressed as the King of the Jews is during His hearing or trial before Pilate. Pilate must have been convinced of Jesus status as King since he had a sign posted on Jesus crucifixion cross declaring "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." What is your verdict? Like the Wise Men, is Jesus the “King of the Jews?” If you are not a Jew, does that make a difference to you?

Like the shepherds, is Jesus your Savior, Messiah, and Lord?  On this Christmas Eve—the day we begin celebrating Jesus’ birth—how will you worship Him? For me, the Candle Lighting Service at my church is the highlight of the season…actually the highlight of the year. Jesus is the Light of the World and that Candle Lighting brings the fact of Jesus as King, Savior, Lord, and Messiah to my mind and heart in a deeply spiritual way.

Yesterday I watched the video “The Passion” to remind me for what and for whom Jesus lived and died. The video depicted the gruesomeness of the trial, beatings and crucifixion. Jesus lived and died for me. For you. What is the Cross without the Manger or the Manger without the Cross?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You are my Messiah, my Savior, my Lord and King of the Jews. You are the Joyful Happy Place in my life—and like the angels who declared Your birth to the shepherds—I am filled with great joy that You came for all the people. Not just for the Jews, but You came for everyone. I praise God and give Him glory for all that I’ve heard about You.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

New Mercy Every Morning

The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24. As this new day begins remember that it is the Lord’s Day…just as every day IS the LORD’S Day. Even greater observation is for us to remember is that God’s love never ends. NEVER. Sometime we may feel like God doesn’t hear us or allows rotten things to happen to us…slick roads or sidewalks, falls, colds and illnesses, broken dishes, broken hearts, but all in all, God is merciful and faithful to His promises. He loves us so much that He gave the ultimate gift—the life of His very own son. We have life so good. We have enough food on hand to last probably a month—while people even here in the Tri-Cities are starving…and freezing cold. Yet we wake up and sit around in our cozy warm home looking out the windows at fresh snow complaining that we will have to drive to the gym on slick roads. Hmmm. God’s mercy—compassion, kindness, forgiveness, blessing—is new every morning. New mercy every morning means that He starts with a fresh slate every day. He doesn’t focus and recall the sin of yesterday. Additionally, He has provided and taken care of us so well. Be thankful.

Prayer ~ Lord, Thank You for Your mercy—undeserved as it is. I treasure and appreciate all that You have done and provided for me, my family, friends and neighbors. Please continue in Your faithfulness to us. May Your mercies never cease.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

This is the time of the year when good chocolates and wonderful candies abound. One of my brother’s favorite is chocolate covered cherries. So—celebrate this holiday remembering it is what is inside that counts. We only see the outside—until we bite into the cordial. Then like the Lord, we see what is inside, too. Sweet and juicy. Tasty. What does God see inside of you? Sweetness? Enjoy the sweets of the season…and after the holiday focus on the fact that our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit—of God Himself. Merry Christmas, Barry & Evelyn—and everyone who enjoys Chocolate Covered Cherries. This one is for you.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Spiritual Gift Giving

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us in advance, and He makes everything work out according to His plan. God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, He identified you as His own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago. The Spirit is God's guarantee that He will give us the inheritance He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify Him. Ephesians 1:11-14

Wow—so much in those four short verses. Gentiles—all non-Jews—who believe in Jesus as their Messiah—their Savior—should be rejoicing in a really big way. We ARE chosen—right alongside of the Jews, who are always God’s chosen people. God saves the Gentiles, too. He wants us to spend eternity with Him. I personally feel so privileged! Glory, Glory, Glory! To the Lord, our Savior. Our King. Praise Him. Note that one word…when you believed in Christ. Not IF, but when. Consider that. Consider also that it is you. It doesn’t happen automatically, or by your parents or friend’s choice…it is YOUR choice. If you have not made that choice yet, consider it for a Christmas present to yourself. Christmas presents don’t always have to be gift-wrapped presents under the tree…they can be spiritual gifts, too. Spiritual gifts to yourself, but also spiritual gifts—like knowledge, love, kindness (does this start to remind you of the Fruit of the Spirit… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23) can be given with grace or taught to others. We teach best by our own actions because most people are taught by what they see rather than what they hear. I think that there are fewer people who are auditory learners than those who are visual or kinesthetic learners. Those kinesthetic learners are the ones who need hugs. Have you hugged someone today to show your love…to show Christ’s love? Have you shown your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to those in your family, to your friends and to your neighbors? That could be your Spiritual Gift for today. Spiritual gift giving isn’t just for Christmas. It is for every day.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You are the greatest gift! Thank you for the privilege to be part of Your family and to share the Fruit of the Holy Spirit with my family and friends. May You continue to bless them through me.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Wise Word Spoken with Kindness

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Proverbs 31:26

Words of Wisdom. What are yours? Are you wisely giving instruction with kindness? What kind of teaching are you doing…and to whom? Do you realize that you teach with all your actions and words—whether they are intentionally planned and executed or spontaneous?

Jesus Intentionally Spoke Wise Words Kindly to His Disciples

What have you discovered or considered “wise” this past year? The Lord keeps bringing to my mind the word “intentional” so I’m considering the wisdom in that word. Intentional—planned, deliberate, intended, premeditated, calculated and purposeful. The opposite of wise is foolish, and that is how it is not to plan ahead. It is foolish not be obedient to God’s word. Our “fate” is planned…if we obey or if we are disobedient. Predestined—planned ahead.

He (Jesus) is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall. They stumble because they do not obey God's word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. 1 Peter 2:8

The wise woman of Proverbs knows and speaks kindness…one of the qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). She kindly speaks words of wisdom. She is a good example to all of us. Look for ways that you can speak God’s wise words kindly to others.

Prayer ~ Lord, give us grace to speak kindly to others—to intentionally use Your wise word to give You glory and instruct those to whom we are ministering.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Fruit at Christmas

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. 

In the New Living Translation of the Bible:

Peace appears 361 times. That is a lot of peace.

Love is written 641 times. That’s an abundance of love.

Joy is expressed 271 times. That’s a large portion of joy.

Peace, joy and love. That is what Christmas is all about. The Love of God transcending all of time bringing Peace as announced by the angels to the shepherds near Bethlehem (Luke 2:14) and Joy as expressed by the wise men (Matthew 2:10). Those are pretty much the key words of the season. Love, Joy, Peace. The thing is these are not just Christmas words. They are all year around words that represent values of the Holy Spirit with which we are blessed. The fruit—not fruits—of the Spirit when we are yielding our lives to the Lord contains these qualities and more. It is all wrapped together in one package. Fruit.

Is your life being fruitful? Are you blessing others with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control  that the flows from the Holy Spirit to you…and on to others? Enjoy that fruit every day…not just at Christmas. 

Prayer ~ Lord, refresh my soul—for I have not lost sight of common sense and discernment (Proverbs 3:21-22) or the fruit of the Spirit. I cherish Your every word and desire to help others understand them, too.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Wise Men from Eastern Lands

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2

King of the Jews. Herod discovered that this King was to be born in Bethlehem and he told the magi—wise men—traveling from the east where they could find this new King of the Jews so that they could worship Him.  

And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! Matthew 2:9-10

Like those wise men do you seek the King of the Jews…and desire to worship Him? Do you picture Him as a baby in a manger…or a King seated on a throne in Heaven? Where will you find Him? May I suggest that you search for Him in your Bible…He is on most pages. Look for Him closely—look between the lines…and listen to the words written about Him and pay close attention to the words proclaimed by Him. Like those wise men, I have come to worship Him. Do you want to join me?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus…I worship and adore You…not just at Christmas—but all year—every day. The very stars that You created led the wise men to Your Bethlehem home. May stars and truth in Your words guide each of us to You today and brighten our understanding of Your glory and power.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

God’s Love Know No Boundaries

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. Romans 8:38

Advent: Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love. What reassuring words Paul wrote in Romans 8:38…nothing can ever separate us from God's love. At this time of the year when everyone is so busy it especially encouraging that we remember how much God loves us. How could we ever forget? Jesus very birth proved God’s love…For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. That is a lot of love. Would you give up your son…your one and only son to cleanse away the sins of a bunch of undeserving heathens and rebellious people, even if they were your followers? I don’t know? But God saw the whole picture. He knew that He’d get His Son back after the sacrifice was complete—but He also knew the trauma that Jesus would have to go through as a real human. That in itself was sacrificial. Who wants to see their child humiliated, rejected, spit upon, beaten or brutally killed? No one. Even parents who can’t deal with childish behavior and end up abusing their children, love them. That doesn’t make the abuse right. No, but God loves them all. The love of God knows no boundaries. That is what is so beautiful—nothing can separate us from God’s love…except our own choices. Do you choose to accept and share God’s love today?

Gate in the Old Jerusalem Wall

Love Knows No Bounderies

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, Your love is so wonderful. Thank you for loving us so much that You were willing to give your Son, Jesus, to be our sacrificial lamb—to take away our sin so that one day we will be able to stand before You in Heaven…and hear the words—forgiven, because Jesus paid the price for our sin. He is our advocate…who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 1 John 2:1. Worthy is the Lamb.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT)

unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible -

http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Hope...Think About It

There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise. Proverbs 26:12

There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. Proverbs 29:20

This is the time of year that we celebrate hope. We just have to hope that we are not doing it as fools. Ha Ha! Proverbs has multiple examples of contrasts between fools and wise or otherwise people. Solomon addresses the characteristic of being “wise” 86 times in the New Living Translation. Check it out and make a list of your own.

The Advent wreath focuses on topics represented by four candles that remind us of Prophecy or Hope; of Bethlehem or Preparation; of the Shepherds or Joy; and of Angels or Love. In the center of the Advent wreath is the white Christ candle that depicting Christ’s purity as our sacrificial lamb—taking away our sin.  

Do you see hope at Christmas?

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. Psalm 62:5. My hope is in Jesus—not the baby born in a stable in Bethlehem, but in the risen Savior thirty-three years later who was willing to sacrifice His life so that I could become sin free, be welcomed into eternal life, and one day stand before the Heavenly Father’s throne in Heaven. Eternal life begins the instant that a person accepts Jesus as their Messiah, their Savior. Our hope begins at that point. We don’t have to wait until we enter Heaven to have hope. Our hope is now…in Jesus our Lord and Savior. Where do you stand with the Lord?

  

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, as a baby you’ve touched the hearts of millions of people—especially children. Help us to remember, amid the clamor of the season, that You are no longer a baby in a manger in a stable—but You gave Your life for each of us—that we could be sin-free like You. We look forward to a Banquet in Heaven with You one day. What’s for dinner?

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Celebrate

Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; celebrate His lovely name with music. Psalm 135:3

Praise the Lord and celebrate with music and good food. It is that time of the year to celebrate—and we have good reason to rejoice as we observe the birth of our Savior Jesus. Commemorate Jesus every day…not just December 25^th. How do you celebrate and honor Him in your life?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You are good…worthy of our praise. I celebrate your very being—all that you are and all that you have done for me. Thank you for being my Lord and Savior.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Christmas menus can be challenging. It depends on who will be at the meal…and the time of day. The evening dinner at Christmas Eve should be special…but can be very hurried in order to get to church for the Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service. In past years I’ve tried Chinese, Japanese, Italian, traditional Czech, Mexican, and of course traditional American prime rib with asparagus and homemade rolls. This year I’m back to Mexican. I think we’ll have chicken enchiladas—with red sauce and with white sauce—and a variety of tamales—from the local mercantile. I was considering options of what else to serve that would make the meal Christmassy. Cranberries always create that special flavor for the holidays, so how about some cranberry salsa?  I looked up some recipes on the internet and adapted a couple to fit my family.

Cranberry Salsa

8 oz fresh or frozen cranberries

1/3 cup sugar, or more to taste

1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro (optional for those who don’t prefer cilantro)

1 to 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno peppers

2 chopped green onions

1 tablespoon grated orange peel

Juice from 1 freshly squeezed lime

¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper 

Put the ingredients in the food processor and pulse until it reaches the desired consistency. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy with tortillas or chips.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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