Do You Question God’s Wisdom?

Who is this that questions My wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Job 38:2-4

How could anyone question God’s wisdom and use such ignorant words…words without knowledge?   God was asking this of Job. Have you ever questioned God…or His wisdom? It doesn’t seem like a very wise thing to do—sort of insulting to God. We certainly were not around when He created the world.  Actually Job’s friends questioned Job’s holiness or righteousness more than Job questioned God’s wisdom. Job just wanted to know why he was being given such awful trials—having his family and livestock taken from him and being stricken with painful boils. He wanted someone to mediate between God and himself. Here is what Job said earlier…God is not a mortal like me, so I cannot argue with Him or take Him to trial. If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together. The mediator could make God stop beating me, and I would no longer live in terror of His punishment. Then I could speak to Him without fear, but I cannot do that in my own strength.  Job 9:32-35. Jesus became that mediator…and still arbitrates for us with the Father.

Prayer ~ Thank You Jesus for going to the Father on our behalf. Please continue to guide and direct our thoughts, words, and actions. May we be blessed with wisdom…as well as stamina, trust, humility, and joy as we seek to serve You. May we always have the utmost respect for God and His wise words.

Weekly Wisdom Quote…

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

© 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 Rescues

"Yes, God does these things again and again for people. He rescues them from the grave so they may enjoy the light of life. Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, for I have more to say. But if you have anything to say, go ahead. Speak, for I am anxious to see you justified. But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom!" Job 33:29-33

Elihu was giving Job more advice…listen to me. He thinks he has something to say. He wants to teach Job about wisdom. He goes on to say…Now listen to me if you are wise. Pay attention to what I say.  Job 34:16. If you are wise…listen. Listen…if you are wise. It goes in a circle. Listening is the key. LISTEN. We can’t learn about wisdom without listening to others…nor can we impart wisdom without listening. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:5-6.

More wisdom from Elihu….

Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn't sin! The Almighty can do no wrong. He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people as they deserve. Truly, God will not do wrong. The Almighty will not twist justice. Did someone else put the world in His care? Who set the whole world in place? If God were to take back His spirit and withdraw His breath, all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust.  Job 34:10-15.

Humanity would turn to dust…if…we don’t listen to God.

Prayer ~ Lord, open my ears that I would hear You…and those wise people that You send my way to instruct me with wisdom. In turn, may I listen to those around me and hear what they are saying…and may I be prepared to give them any wise words that You would have me share.

© 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.

Do You Have to be Old to Be Wise?

Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, "I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think. I thought, 'Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.' But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice. So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think.” Job 32:6-10

Elihu was a young man who spoke to Job after his older friend. He said… So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think. He didn’t think much of what Job’s friends had told Job and Elihu was angry with Job because he justified himself before God. This young man acknowledged that not all older people, Job’s three friends in particular, are wise just because they are old. I agree, but I will admit that I know several people who are 85 or older who are very wise folks. My wonderful Aunt Mercedes who is turning 90 today is a prime example of walking wisdom! She still walks a mile or two every day, weather permitting. She is active in her retirement community, attends a weekly Bible study…and actually reads her Bible every day. Can we all say that? Another over 90 couple in our family back in Michigan, Aunt Carole and Uncle Auddie, are 91 and 95 respectively…and respectfully, and they are both sharp as a tack and still sharing their wonderful sense of humor and wisdom with us all. Loving, caring, wise family members.

Not all people over 85 or 90 have the mental capacity to share their wisdom…so listen up to some of the elders in your life before they approach the senile, absent-minded years. Gain the wisdom that you can. Of course there are those young folks, like Elihu, in our lives who boast of their wisdom and don’t hesitate to tell you what they “think.” Listen closely to everyone who speaks and then judge for yourself if they are imparting wisdom or just being foolish. Can you discern their motives for speaking up and speaking out on some matter? Are they following God’s will and His plan for their lives? Are they encouraging? God want us to encourage others and to show our love…His love…for those around us. Are you showing and sharing God’s love and wisdom?

Prayer ~ Lord God, may I hold my tongue and not always let others know what I think so that when I do speak I will have Your words and Your wisdom on my lips—encouraging others and guiding them in Your ways.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Wisdom from Aunt Mercedes.

Use 1 tablespoon of coconut oil every morning in your coffee, or tea, to get rid of the belly fat!

It works.

Happy 90^th Birthday, Auntie Merc!

May our Lord continue to bless you! Be Still and Know that He IS God!

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

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

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Looking for Wisdom

The fear of The Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Read Proverbs. Gain wisdom and understanding. Desire it. Ask The Lord to give you wisdom. Don't be foolish. 

Prayer - Lord please give me wisdom and understanding that I would be able to apply your  knowledge to my life--my attitudes and actions/reactions. May all that I think, say and do bring you glory. Glory, Glory, Glory. 

The Way to Wisdom

God alone understands the way to wisdom; He knows where it can be found, for He looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens. He decided how hard the winds should blow and how much rain should fall. He made the laws for the rain and laid out a path for the lightning. Then He saw wisdom and evaluated it. He set it in place and examined it thoroughly. And this is what He says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.' Job 28:23-28

Job continues his lengthy response to his friends concerning wisdom. He recognized that the fear of the Lord…which is actually holy RESPECT and reverence…is really the source of true wisdom. Without respect for God there would be no wisdom or understanding. He is in control—all powerful and wise. He’s got the roadmap…the GPS…for the way to wisdom. GPS – Global Positioning System or God’s Placing Scheme. God has a plan for our lives—He knows where we’re going—even if we don’t follow the GPS—or she wants to “recalculate” our trip. God know all about wisdom—true wisdom. He desires our attention and respect. Worship the Lord with reverence, and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11. He created us to worship Him. To worship Him in spirit and in truth. He knows the way to Wisdom. Jesus told us that He is the Way, the TRUTH, and the life. John 14:6—and no one gets to the Father without first going to Jesus. He is the Way to wisdom. Mystery solved.

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, we respect and adore You. Thank You for the rain…and for Your wisdom, understanding, and above all…for Your love. Please bless and guide all those reading this, and may their families feel your presence and rejoice in knowing You.                            

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

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

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An Encounter with Wisdom

But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? No one knows where to find it, for it is not found among the living. ... It cannot be bought with gold. It cannot be purchased with silver. ... Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above rubies. ... But do people know where to find wisdom? Where can they find understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all humanity. Even the sharp-eyed birds in the sky cannot discover it. Destruction and Death say, 'We've heard only rumors of where wisdom can be found.' Job 28:12-13, 15, 17-18, 20-22

What is wisdom? Wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight. If people could buy wisdom they’d be lined up in an endless row like they are when the lotto jackpot is high. Wisdom is not for sale. Nothing can buy wisdom. Not in Job’s time…and not today. Wisdom is only available as a gift from God…or through a process of aging and hard knocks. Knowledge can come from books and can be taught by others…but using that knowledge with insight and application to our life situations takes wisdom that is only available directly from God or by trial and error in previous situations. People rarely gain wisdom from other people’s situations unless they have discernment from God. How have you encountered wisdom in your life?      

Prayer ~ Lord God, we acknowledge that wisdom only comes from You. You are the source and supplier of wisdom. May You bless us with Your wisdom so that we would be able to make wise choices—discerning and rightly dividing what is true and right from the foolish things of the world. Help us to live lives that are pleasing and honoring to You. May we not be arrogant or self-righteous about any blessing of wisdom that we receive.

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

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

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God is Wisdom and Power – God is Love

Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old. But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are His. What He destroys cannot be rebuilt. When He puts someone in prison, there is no escape. If He holds back the rain, the earth becomes a desert. If He releases the waters, they flood the earth. Yes, strength and wisdom are His; deceivers and deceived are both in His power. Job 12:12-16

God is amazing—all powerful and all wisdom. We all desire wisdom—does that make us wanting to be like God? You probably know someone who wants to be POWERFUL! There is one in every group, classroom, family, club or organization and work place. Power is their goal. Do they seek wisdom with that power desire? If only that were the case.

One of my earliest lessons on God I remember from my Mom saying that God is love…that the Bible tells us that. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8. There is a kid’s song based on that same scripture passage that my daughter learned for a Psalty musical when she was six years old. This song has stuck with us for years now. It is a catchy tune and the words are worth not only memorizing…but living.

Beloved

Beloved, let us love one another
For love is of God
And anyone that loveth is born of God
And knoweth God.
He that loveth not (clap, clap, clap)
Knoweth not God for God is love.
Beloved, let us love one another.
First John, four: seven and eight.

Wisdom is important…but love is essential in life. Which do you seek more…wisdom or love? Which do you give more…wisdom or love?

Prayer ~ Dear God, You are Love. Give us not only the desire to love You and ourselves, but also our neighbors, family and friends with whom You have so richly blessed us. Wisdom is desirable, but love is greater than everything. Thank You for that revelation today.

Weekly Wisdom Quote…

True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, & the world around us.                                                                         Socrates

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

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

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You Are No Better Than Me

You people really know everything, don't you? And when you die, wisdom will die with you! Well, I know a few things myself—and  you're no better than I am. Who doesn't know these things you've been saying? Yet my friends laugh at me, for I call on God and expect an answer. I am a just and blameless man, yet they laugh at me. People who are at ease mock those in trouble. They give a push to people who are stumbling. Job 12:2-5

Job’s know-it-all friends, mocked him during his trials and tribulations. In this passage he was answering Zophar and his other friends. They felt like they knew everything…like they were the wise ones giving Job advice on how he should have been living his life to please God. But that wasn’t the way it was since Job really lived his life righteously. God allowed Satan to attack Job—to destroy his family and fortune. In addition, Satan wanted to try to disgrace God. Although there were moments during Job’s trials when he was discouraged, Job was faithful to God and continued to trust Him. He knew his friends were no better than him--especially in the eyes of the Lord. There was no disgracing our God. Job called on God and expected an answer. Do you do that—pray and expect an answer from God?

Prayer ~ Lord God, hear our prayers. We praise You—for You are worthy of our praise and adoration. Please forgive us for any mistakes we have made…yesterday or today already…and guide us in living in such a way that pleases and honors You. There are many around us that need Your healing touch…physically, emotionally and spiritually. Meet their needs and give them the grace to not only give You the glory for your healing touch, but may their lives be a tribute to You—a living witness. Thank You for all You are and do. We love You and serve You, in Jesus name. 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

True Wisdom is Not a Simple Matter

Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn't someone make you ashamed? You claim, 'My beliefs are pure,' and 'I am clean in the sight of God.' If only God would speak; if only He would tell you what He thinks! If only He would tell you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom is not a simple matter. Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve! Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld—what do you know? It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea. Job 11:3-9

Another of Job’s friends, Zophar, speaks to Job, assuming that Job’s condition and loss is due to sin. He even suggests that God is punishing him—at a level that should be greater. That would just give Job even greater troubles. At least Zophar recognizes that God’s knowledge and wisdom are vast.  True wisdom is not something simple. God is complex—His wisdom is beyond measure. His knowledge is above what we can fathom. The problem is that Zophar doesn’t really know  Job. We know Job…and that he is a righteous man. Why can’t his “friend” see that? Do you see your friends and family as they really are in God’s eyes? Do you condemn them if they have problems, thinking that they just aren’t right with God? Wise up. Can you see them as God sees them and have mercy on them?  

Prayer ~ Lord God, open our eyes that we would see others and even ourselves as You see us. Give us wisdom and help us apply it so that we can understand You and those around us.

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

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

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Wise Words From Job’s Friend

But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, He will surely rise up and restore your happy home. And though you started with little, you will end with much. 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 8:5-10

When someone else is suffering it is easy to give advice, just like Job’s friends did. Here in this passage his friend Bildad assumes that Job must have sinned…not lived a pure life with integrity. But sin wasn’t the source of Job’s suffering. He was a righteous man. Bildad is telling him to pay attention to his ancestors…that they can teach him some wisdom. That in itself may be good advice for any of us, although like us, our ancestors are humans and may not have all the right answers either. Only God has the pure wisdom. We need to seek that from Him—perhaps not from well-meaning friends or family.

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father—give us the grace to trust You like Job did because You did restore his happy home and family.  

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

I recently read a recipe for toast with goat cheese and candied nuts. Since I’ve been limiting my sugars and starches in an effort to maintain my recent weight loss, I tried some goat cheese on WASA rye crackers with chopped walnuts. It was good. No sugar is necessary. Simple enough—no real recipe is necessary, just spread the goat cheese on the cracker and top with chopped nuts. Any chopped nuts would probably be good. Most nuts also provide a MUFA – monounsaturated fatty acid which are good fats that are heart healthy and fight disease. We should include a MUFA with every meal. They aren’t just nuts. Explore the variety of MUFAs like olives, olive oil, avocado, pesto sauce, soybeans, peanut butter, tahini, and semisweet chocolate chips. Nuts can vary in calorie count and walnuts have even less calories than peanuts or pecans, if you care about calories. Enjoy some goat cheese and nuts on toast or crackers as a snack or along with a hot bowl of soup on one of these cold days soon.

© 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.

Gifts All Year Around

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him….. Ecclesiastes 2:26

God gives Wisdom, Knowledge and Joy…what great gifts! I’ll take those any time of the year…not just for my birthday or Christmas. Wisdom and knowledge are what I long for…what we all search for…and what we gradually get when we study and in life situations as we live through experiences and hopefully gain something from those experiences. Some people seem to gain more than others. Why is that? Do they just learn from their mistakes and successes…or is God giving them a special gift? Either way…we need to be attuned to our lives in ways that we don’t repeat our mistakes. I’m preaching to the choir…myself…here. I have found that I continually need to surrender my anger to the Lord…otherwise it gets me into trouble. Have you ever found yourself in that situation? I’d rather have joy than anger! The key here is to please God.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I give You my anger and ask that once again as You cleanse my heart that You would fill me with Your joy…and give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding that I wouldn’t take back that anger…that I would learn from this experience.

© 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.

Eat, Drink and Enjoy Life

I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:13-14

And this is not all that is meaningless in our world. In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless! So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people's burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night. I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim. Ecclesiastes 8:14-17

Where is your search for Wisdom taking you? Are you even looking for it—or are you trying to discover everything? Do you think you can live without wisdom? Think about that today…and in the meantime…eat, drink and enjoy life.

Prayer ~ Lord God, help me as I search for Wisdom to not get so bogged down with searching that I forget to live life to its fullest here and now—giving You the glory and honor that You deserve. You are the source not only of Wisdom, but of life itself. Help me to remember that moment by moment…day by day…year by year.

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

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

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Apply God’s Wisdom

And you, Ezra, are to use the wisdom your God has given you to appoint magistrates and judges who know your God's laws to govern all the people in the province west of the Euphrates River.

Teach the law to anyone who does not know it. Ezra 7:25

The Israelites had been in captivity in Babylon for seventy years and now it was time for them to go back to Israel, to Jerusalem and to rebuild the Temple. Ezra was a priest and scribe that wrote the book of Ezra and was tasked with copying the Law given to Moses and teaching it to other Israelites. This verse above also tells us that Ezra appointed magistrates and judges over the Jewish people residing in the Babylonian Kingdom, west of the Euphrates River. That is a lot of territory. Now the Jews were headed home to Israel and for them to know God’s Laws was important. Those were the rules to live by that they had originally ignored. That ignorance is what caused them to be exiled to Babylon. Now they needed to know the Law so that they could live by it. God gave Ezra wisdom to teach the Israelites how He wanted them to live…to treat each other and how to rebuild the Temple.

If you or people close to you have been away from the Lord for a while—like the Israelites when they were in Babylon—then it may be time to consider God’s will for your life. Blessing on you as you apply His Word to your life.

Prayer ~Lord Jesus…bless my family and friends with wisdom that they would seek and serve You with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength.  

© 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 from a Father...and a Mother

David spoke to his son, Solomon. 

"My son, I wanted to build a Temple to honor the name of the LORD my God," David told him. "But the LORD said to me, 'You have killed many men in the battles you have fought. And since you have shed so much blood in my sight, you will not be the one to build a Temple to honor my name. But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. He is the one who will build a Temple to honor my name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will secure the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.'

"Now, my son, may the LORD be with you and give you success as you follow his directions in building the Temple of the LORD your God. And may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the LORD your God as you rule over Israel. For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the LORD gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart! 1 Chronicles 22:7-13

Model of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem

Be strong and courageous. The same message that was given to Joshua when he became the leader of the Israelites. Here David is telling Solomon that IF he obeys the Law of the Lord, the Lord may give him wisdom and understanding. It is no wonder that Solomon asked God for wisdom and understanding—David had advised him to be obedient and he would be rewarded. Great wisdom in itself. The concordance doesn’t give us any specific references to David having great wisdom, but it is obvious that he was a smart guy…one who used his wisdom and understanding to please the Lord as much as he could. David is known as a man after God’s own heart.  

Prayer ~Lord God, may You be with my son and give him success as he follows Your directions in building the Temple of the LORD God within his heart. He will be successful IF he continues to carefully obey You—placing himself under Your grace. May he be strong and courageous, remembering that You, God, will never leave him or forsake him. You are an awesome God—going before, behind and beside him…as he seeks and serves You.

Happy Birthday, Mike!

May God continue to bless and guide you…

…as our son, as a husband, a father, and as His son and worker for Him.

Love & Prayers…today and always.

© 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.

Read and Listen for Wisdom

God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the East and the wise men of Egypt. ... He composed some 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants, from the great cedar of Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals, birds, small creatures, and fish. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:29-30, 32-34

Starfish on South Carolina beach

The world was in awe of Solomon’s wisdom. We would probably be the same today—amazed. Now we have much of the world’s wisdom and knowledge available to us at our fingertips on the internet—but that doesn’t mean that we understand or remember it all. Additionally, we need to question some of the information we access. We can’t trust everything that we hear or see. 

The sand on the seashore is varied—rocky and fine. Even it reveals creatures of the sea that we must carefully observe to discover. 

How do you get your wisdom…your understanding? How do you use it?

Prayer ~ Lord God, thank you for the vast amount of information we have available to us. Help us to use that information wisely to honor You.

Weekly Wisdom…Whoever would be wise should read the Proverbs; whoever would be holy should read the Psalms. —Richard Steele (1629-1692)

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

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

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Wisdom of Solomon

When all Israel heard the king's decision, the people were in awe of the king, for they saw the wisdom God had given him for rendering justice. 1 Kings 3:28

Below is the background scripture explaining the situation about which Solomon showed his wonderful God-given wisdom. It is an amazing story…and has probably been used in variation millions of times. I know that I’ve offered to cut a toy in half to end an argument between children—and neither of them wanted only half the toy, so they compromised and shared. Good use of Solomon’s wisdom. Here’s the story and his wise solution.

Sometime later two prostitutes came to the king to have an argument settled. "Please, my lord," one of them began, "this woman and I live in the same house. I gave birth to a baby while she was with me in the house. Three days later this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there were only two of us in the house. But her baby died during the night when she rolled over on it. Then she got up in the night and took my son from beside me while I was asleep. She laid her dead child in my arms and took mine to sleep beside her. And in the morning when I tried to nurse my son, he was dead! But when I looked more closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn't my son at all." Then the other woman interrupted, "It certainly was your son, and the living child is mine." "No," the first woman said, "the living child is mine, and the dead one is yours." And so they argued back and forth before the king. Then the king said, "Let's get the facts straight. Both of you claim the living child is yours, and each says that the dead one belongs to the other. All right, bring me a sword." So a sword was brought to the king. Then he said, "Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other!" Then the woman who was the real mother of the living child, and who loved him very much, cried out, "Oh no, my lord! Give her the child—please do not kill him!" But the other woman said, "All right, he will be neither yours nor mine; divide him between us!" Then the king said, "Do not kill the child, but give him to the woman who wants him to live, for she is his mother!" 1 Kings 3:16-2

Have you ever used Solomon’s wisdom, or prayed for wisdom in some situation?

Prayer ~ Lord, grant us Your mercy and wisdom in the day to day problems or situations that we encounter. Give us creative solutions that show us that You are working in our lives…and help us to tell others how You are effectually coming along side us to give us hope and joy in our lives.

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

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

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Pray to the Living God

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

Colossians 1:9-12 NASB

Yesterday I wrote… “There are no specific formulas for prayers or assurances to receiving answers to prayers. It is God’s prerogative—His will—to grant prayer requests of His choice.” That being said it is necessary to note that there are ways to approach God in prayer that gives more assurance of an answer.

First of all, it is helpful to BELIEVE IN THE GOD TO WHOM YOU ARE PRAYING, BELIEVE IN JESUS AS THE SON OF GOD (not as a prophet) and to BELIEVE that your prayers are being heard. One must approach the throne of God with a humble and repentant heart. In the old King James Version of the Bible that was called a contrite heart. Today in the New Living Translation we read…The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17 NLT. We need to acknowledge that God IS GOD—that He is all powerful, all knowing, and loving—yet He will bring judgment on those who refuse to acknowledge Him as Lord.

As in this passage above found in Colossians, I pray often for those I know…and those who read this blog…that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects—and filled with joy as you give thanks to God the Father.

Are you giving Thanks every day to God for all that He has done for you…and provides for you? During the month of November many friends on Facebook post daily the things for which they are thankful. I think it would be a good habit to do daily…or at least one day (besides Sunday) a week for the whole year. Choose a day. Let’s do it on Thursday. Thankful Thursdays! That will give you a whole week to note what God is doing in your life TODAY…and then be ready on Thursday to share your Thanks with God and others. Always be ready to give an account of what God is doing in your life—today, not 10 or 20 years ago. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil. Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:12-15

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I joyfully give thanks to you…and to the Heavenly Father. Fill me with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that I may walk in a manner worthy of You, Lord, to please our Heavenly Father in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in knowledge and understanding of my God. Please strengthen me with all power, according to His glorious might.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Since today would have been my Mom’s birthday, I want to share one of her recipes with you. This is one that she was actually chosen to be on a cooking show at KXLY TV station in Spokane, Washington in about 1956 to share her original recipe for left-overs.

Baked Hash

2 cups ground or diced left-over roast beef

½ cup minced onion

1 cup left-over cooked potatoes, or other left-over vegetables, chopped or diced

1 cup left-over gravy or 1 cup white sauce

1 egg, well beaten

Salt & pepper to taste

Mix together and bake in a loaf pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour. 
Enjoy any meal of the day.

© 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.

Give Me Wisdom

Solomon became king and sat on the throne of  David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established. 1 Kings 2:12

At that time the people of Israel sacrificed their offerings at local places of worship, for a temple honoring the name of the LORD had not yet been built. Solomon loved the LORD and followed all the decrees of his father, David, except that Solomon, too, offered sacrifices and burned incense at the local places of worship. The most important of these places of worship was at Gibeon, so the king went there and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings. That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, "What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!" ... Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?" The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, "Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies-- I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! And I will also give you what you did not ask for--riches and fame! No other king in all the world will be compared to you for the rest of your life! And if you follow me and obey my decrees and my commands as your father, David, did, I will give you a long life." 1 Kings 3:2-5, 9-14

Give me wisdom. That was Solomon’s wish…his petition to the Lord God. How often have you dreamed about getting whatever you wanted? Lots of people have been wishing for megabucks and spending a few dollars on lottery tickets. But would that buy them wisdom? Never! Wisdom can’t be purchased. You can get it by asking God for it…just like Solomon did. You don’t have to be dreaming to do it…just pray and ask God. 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.  Jesus has told us that whatever we ask for, believing in Him, that we will be given it. Speaking to His disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said…In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:23-24 NASB. That doesn’t mean if we ask for a red Ferrari that we’ll get it…or even if we ask for health, wealth or a good parking place. There are no specific formulas for prayers or assurances to receiving answers to prayers. It is God’s prerogative—His will—to grant prayer requests of His choice.  I’m sure that there were people praying to win that lotto jackpot. Were they wanting to have unbounded wealth and quit their jobs? Did they want to give some of it away? Maybe. It was just such a big jackpot that it is beyond my imagination how to deal with that much money. I didn’t buy a ticket. I think I’d rather have wisdom…wisdom in dealing with life and death…than riches beyond my dreams. Do you seek God and His will for your life?

Prayer ~ Lord, I do want wisdom and understanding that I would be able to discern what Your will is for my life and live in a way that is pleasing to You—and that my life would be continually filled with joy.

© 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 in Delicious Fruit

Back to the beginning…In the Garden of Eden where the serpent tempted Eve saying that she and Adam could eat of the fruit of the tree in the middle of the Garden…and then they would be like God. 

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.  Genesis 3:6

What a shame that Eve wasn’t more assertive, independent, and obedient.  Eve and Adam must have been hungry…physically and spiritually. She wanted wisdom. What a pushover. That ‘ole wily serpent didn’t have to browbeat or coheres Eve into taking that fruit—be it apple, pear or pomegranate. And where was Adam when the serpent was beguiling her? He was right there with Eve. Why wasn’t he more assertive and obedient? Good question—we all want to know. He just stood there and watched her take a bite of that forbidden fruit. Then she handed it to him…and he took a bite, too. Doomed! Humanity and the land were cursed. Read that passage in Genesis 3. After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit and hid from God, God pronounces His judgement—the punishment for disobedience.

Then the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel."

Then He said to the woman, "I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you."

And to the man He said, "Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made. For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return."                                                                                                                         Genesis 3:14-19

Was there any wisdom gained by Adam or Eve in their actions? Not much. It seems like Eve didn't get the wisdom she wanted that the old serpent promised the fruit would give her. What would you do if offered wisdom?

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, keep me focused on Your wisdom that I wouldn’t be duped like Eve into seeking wisdom from a false source.

© 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.

Search for Wisdom and Understanding

I (Solomon) devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done under heaven. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:13-14

Solomon, for being the wisest man, was pretty pessimistic. The world became meaningless to him—wisdom and wealth didn’t mean anything…and having many wives didn’t satisfy his desires either. Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. The Lord had clearly instructed the people of Israel, “You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.” Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway.  He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord. In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been. 1 Kings 11:1-4. Those wives took him away from the true God to worshiping idols, as you can see if you continue reading in 1 Kings 11. It is illegal now to have more than one spouse…and that is how God designed people to be married with only one mate. We have to be careful not to allow our hearts to be turned to idols…like entertainment, sports, or other temptations—candy, food, beverages, or shoes and clothes.

Search for understanding. Explore wisdom. Don’t chase the wind—you’ll never catch it! The wind blows where it will.  Explore wisdom—look for wise people with whom to share life stories and develop a relationship with them. 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. You may even need to ask God to send a person with a storehouse of wisdom into your life. Ask and you will receive—that is what Jesus said. Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7. Keep on searching for wisdom and understanding—it is a lifelong pursuit.

           

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, I don’t agree with Solomon…life is not meaningless. In my search for understanding of Your will and ways I have found joy. You give life meaning—You give us hope, as well as wisdom and understanding. An abundant life—one worth living and sharing with others. I praise and adore 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.

Can You Use Wise Words?

"Everything is meaningless," says the Teacher, "completely meaningless." Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them. The Teacher sought to find just the right words to express truths clearly. The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep. Ecclesiastes 12:8-11

Consider the Teacher’s actions. He LISTENED. He STUDIED. He CLASSIFIED. He TAUGHT everything He knew. He searched out the right words to say. Sometimes it is how you say something that makes a difference in how people perceive what you are intending to communicate. The words have to mean something to them. If the words are in another language…or the vocabulary is just too bizarre then no one will understand it. Search out the right expressions to use when you are speaking to someone—so that they “hear” what you say—specifically what you intend to say. Wise Words. Are your words like cattle prods? Painful yet helpful? Painful words are not always easy to understand or accept. Those words might be helpful in the long-run—helpful when making decisions or choices. Has anyone helped you by giving you words of wisdom, even if they were painful? I have been on the receiving end of wise words that were hard to take and difficult to accept, but I knew that the person who was speaking to me was guiding me in what was good, right and true. I knew that I needed to change my ways. That was many years ago, but I still remember the feeling that though the person thought I was wrong in my actions, she cared about me enough to correct me. That is how life should be—meaningful with care and love, not empty without wise words to guide and direct. Are you adding meaning to the lives of those around you?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I often pray and ask You to help my family and friends to make good decisions. Help them once again today to make good choices…and to use wise words as they help others around them. Life doesn’t need to be meaningless. You make life meaningful.

© 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.

Be Careful

But, my child, let me give you some further advice: Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out. That's the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey His commands, for this is everyone's duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12:12-14

Solomon is well known as the wisest man…other than Jesus…who ever lived. Google it for yourself. And he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes—which ended with these verses of advice. Good advice. Fear God and obey His commands. Best wise advice anyone could give us. Obedience is the key. Over the years I have come to consider the idea of “fear” as respect. We don’t need to cower in God’s presence…but we do need to respect Him—to respect Him above all else. The words that Solomon wrote along with this…that God will judge us for everything we do is so right on. We are told over and over that nothing we do is hidden from Him.  Consider what Psalm 139 says…O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. Psalm 139:1. That Psalm continues with more ways that God knows each of us…even before we were born. It says it all.  I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! Psalm 139:7.  

Prayer ~ Dear God, You are wise above wise…and gave Solomon wisdom above all other men. I respect You and chose to be obedient to YOU…to Your commandments. I don’t ever want to be away from Your presence. Please continue to guide me in Your truths and to be a light in everything I do.

My Dad would have been 95 today.

Happy Day to all who knew and loved him…anyway.

© 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.

Study His Commandments

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. ... I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. ... I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. ... Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. ... Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 119:1-2, 11-12, 15, 18, 27

God wants us to study His commandments and to know them. He rewards those who honor Him and follow His guidelines. This passage in Psalms tells us that those who obey God’s commandments are joyful. Full of joy—happiness. Consider what the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20, and repeated in Deuteronomy 5, actually say. Read them for yourself one more time. Study them.

Then God gave the people all these instructions:

² “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.

³ “You must not have any other god but me.

⁴ “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. ⁵ You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. ⁶ But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those^[b] who love me and obey my commands.

⁷ “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.

⁸ “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. ⁹ You have six days each week for your ordinary work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. ¹¹ For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.

¹² “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

¹³ “You must not murder.

¹⁴ “You must not commit adultery.

¹⁵ “You must not steal.

¹⁶ “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

¹⁷ “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

The first four commandments deal with men’s relationship to God. The other six commandments concern relationships between people. If we follow God’s way…His plan then will we find joy?  

Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death. Proverbs 19:16.

Someone came to Jesus with this question: "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" "Why ask Me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:16-17. Jesus said it Himself…keep the commandments. He goes on to say which one…and that list is all about the last six, those dealing with people relationships. These commandments are at a couple of levels—physical and spiritual. For example, You must not murder…can mean do not kill physically…and don’t murder their character.  

                          

Joy comes from obedience.

Prayer ~ Lord, I enjoy studying and reflecting on Your commandments—and they do bring me joy.

© 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.

Study the Book of Instruction

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. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:8-9

The Lord spoke these words to Joshua after Moses died and Joshua became the leader of the Israelites. Be strong and courageous…not afraid. How was Joshua to gain the wisdom and knowledge necessary to lead the Israelites? By this time Moses had written the first five books of the Old Testament—known now as the Torah to the Jews. God told Joshua…study the Book of Instruction constantly…meditate on it and obey. The Instructions would give Joshua the knowledge he needed. God told him over and over…be strong and courageous. Be strong and courageous…be strong and courageous. Joshua needed that advice. Even the children of Israel were saying the same thing. They answered Joshua, "We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us. We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the LORD your God be with you as He was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!" Joshua 1:16-18. Those not obeying will be put to death—that is a pretty stiff penalty. Death. On the other hand…obedience is admirable, bringing glory, honor and respect to the Lord.

Are you studying the Book of Instruction—meditating on and obeying God’s Word?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You told Joshua to be strong and courageous—and I hear You telling me the same thing. Be Strong and Courageous—not afraid. I want to be obedient not only to Your word—but to You. You are worthy of my praise, love and respect.  

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

My favorite dish to order at any Mexican restaurant is a pork burrito with green sauce. So I’ve tried several different recipes to find one that tastes like that pork in the green sauce. This one is close.

Lomo De Cerdo En Chili Verde - Loin of Pork in Green Chili Sauce

2 Tbsp oil

1 medium onion, chopped finely

2 cloves garlic, grated

2 pounds pork loin, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 lb can of Mexican green tomatoes (tomatillos), with liquid

3 cans mild green chilies, chopped

1  8 oz can or jar of nopalitos – cactus pieces (do NOT add serrano chili if in jar) – rinse well

Handful of cilantro (coriander) chopped

Salt – fresh ground

Pepper – fresh ground

Sour cream and cilantro for garnish

Heat oil and saute onion and garlic. Add pork and brown lightly. Add cilantro, tomatillos, chilis and nopalitos.  Simmer for 1½  to 2 hours until the pork is tender soft. Salt and pepper to taste. Use the meat in burritos or serve (6) as soup. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro.

© 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.