Every Word of God Proves True

The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. ... Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. Proverbs 30:1-3, 5

April is over…but our search for wisdom is not over. Is it ever? Evidently Agar, not Solomon, wrote this proverb. He says it well and like him…I am just plain tired. But I’m not tired of seeking God and His wisdom. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NASB. Like Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes…I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. Ecclesiastes 7:25 NASB. Seek knowledge…and wisdom for yourself. Remember…every word of God proves true. Jesus IS the Word of God… In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1.  He is the way the truth and the life.  Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6. Every word of God proves true…because God is truth. Something to think about.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord…Your every word is truth. You are Truth. I continue to seek You…Your wisdom. Help me to see whatever it is that You are showing and teaching me. Sometimes I’m just too tired, too dense…am I lacking in common sense? Enlighten me. Don’t let Your Truth get past 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

Deep Waters and Bubbling Brooks

Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4

Deep water in which I’ve snorkeled and swam can have a strong current. Depending on where it is, deep water can be dangerous…but it can also be filled with life—beautiful coral and colorful sea life. There is an expression that “still water runs deep” which could pertain to wise words being calming, strengthening, and peaceful. 

God promised the Israelites that He would be with them…and I think as Christians, chosen to be God’s children, we can claim the same promise. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2.

Have you ever experienced a bubbling brook—that just seems to be joyous, enthusiastic, and eager to please as it flows along nudging all the branches and leaves along its way? We can be like that bubbling brook sharing the wisdom that God has given us in a happy way. Joyous, caring, loving and willing to serve others.  

Prayer ~ Lord, as You give us wisdom, fill us with Your joyful spirit that we would be like a bubbling brook and draw others to You. Be glorified and honored in all that we think, say and do—that we would reflect Your glory and honor.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda both have claims for curing cancer. I’ve wondered if either one could prevent cancer. That would be the real test. People who develop cancer are frequently grasping at straws…or taking chemotherapy that nearly kills them in order to kill the cancer.

Books on vinegar cures are full of folk remedies. Whether people are fighting germs, destroying cancer cells, strengthening the cardiovascular system or just wanting to feel and look better, apple cider vinegar can be taken by mixing one teaspoon natural apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water and drinking it, usually one-half hour before a meal. It is helpful to add a spoonful of honey or molasses to the mixture if fighting cancer since the cancers draw glucose into the cells. The nutrients in the vinegar go along into the cell, presumably destroy the cancer.

The baking soda is to be taken with lemon juice, in a ratio of one-half teaspoon soda to the juice of one-half of a lemon, added to a glass of water and slowly drank about an hour before a meal. This will also raise the pH of the body, which is said to be beneficial to overall health.

There is always something to be said about improving one’s health. Destroying free radicals with antioxidants boosts the immune system. That makes us healthier. Can the antioxidants in dark chocolate really be good for us? Hmmmm. More food for thought. It might just be wise to do some personal research on dark chocolate benefits beyond the Internet. Yum!

© 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.

Don’t Sell Out the Truth

Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. Proverbs 23:23

Some things you just can’t buy…or sell. Money, love, wisdom and truth. Discipline and good judgment aren’t found for sale either. No price tag would be enough to cover it.

Jesus said that He Himself was the Truth. Jesus said…"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6 NASB.

It was after the Last Supper that Judas sold out Jesus…The Truth. Judas Iscariot agreed to turn over Jesus to the Temple guards for  thirty silver coins. He sold out the Truth…but that didn’t give Judas any satisfaction. When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. Matthew 27:3.

Seek and you will find…Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NASB. Ask for truth, wisdom, discipline and good judgment. Seek those things from the Lord. Then they will be yours…you won’t have to try to buy them…nor will you ever want to sell them. Don’t sell out the truth or wisdom. You can teach others about truth and about wisdom—but it isn’t something—even a gift—we can give. Have you asked the Lord for wisdom?

Prayer ~ Lord, we come before you…seeking wisdom with all our heart, soul and mind that we would make wise choices day by day that would please You. May others see our wisdom as a gift from You and desire it for themselves…along with salvation. We acknowledge that salvation comes only to a repentant heart, humbled by the blood of Jesus, and rejoicing with His resurrection. Thank you, Jesus, for dying and living for us. We won’t sell You out.

© 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.

Joyful Walk with the Wise?

The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. Proverbs 23:24

The mother of godly children has cause for joy! People—young or older—who are seeking the Lord and living in His way—right—are righteous. Joy! Pure delight fills my heart knowing that my daughter and son both seek to please the Lord—to live in His truth. What more could I ask for in life? Well…to have a few thousand people come to know the Lord as their Savior would be nice…but within my own family, to have my children and grandchildren seeking the Lord is cause for great joy in my heart. Overflowing exultation!   

Wise children. That almost seems like an oxymoron. How can children become wise? They are often or generally self-driven and senseless. It takes a lot of parental involvement and discipline to have a child that seeks the Lord—one that can be considered godly. A wise child accepts a parent's discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction. Proverbs 13:1. It is really a gift of God to have wise children.

My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! Proverbs 23:15

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:19

You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14.

Train up that child of yours in the way you want them to go…in God’s way…and they’ll follow that way. When they are small they will imitate you…so what way are you going? Are you following a straight and narrow path? The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8.

Prayer ~ Lord God, keep our eyes on You…and help us to follow your narrow gateway to Heaven. We want to take as many as possible with us—to worship You for eternity—so open their eyes and hearts to Your love and your way—that straight and narrow path.

© 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.

Listen and Obey

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:19

Do children listen? Sometimes they have to be told a couple of times—listen—listen—listen.

My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my instructions. ... Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. Proverbs 4:1-2, 5.

What does it take to encourage a child to listen? Start at an early age… Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 NASB. Ann Landers once said, “It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them.”

Children learn from the adults around them.

But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They became stubborn and would not listen to Your commandments. They refused to listen, and did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; so they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; and You did not forsake them. ... and admonished them in order to turn them back to Your law. Yet they acted arrogantly and did not listen to Your commandments but sinned against Your ordinances, by which if a man observes them he shall live. And they turned a stubborn shoulder and stiffened their neck, and would not listen. Nehemiah 9:16-17, 29

Are you willing to listen to the Lord…to accept Christian counsel? What does it take to encourage you or your children to listen?

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and He blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

Prayer ~ Open our hearts to Your word, Lord, that we would listen, obey and teach our children and grandchildren to wisely listen and obey.

© 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 Want to Get Rich?

Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. Proverbs 23:4

Do people who are trying to get rich ever know when to stop? I know of a couple of people who have gambled at a casino and won some money—actually lots of it—and then gambled it away so that they left penniless. They wore themselves out trying to get rich. Do they know that gambling is a form of greed? Of coveting? When that was explained to me I instantly lost the desire to gamble. I thought it was kind of dumb to just throw money away—but to know that gambling was breaking the Ten Commandment just made it totally less desirable. "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." Exodus 20:17. Don’t covet…desire…anything that doesn’t belong to you, including money. And don’t steal… "You must not steal."  Exodus 20:15. That would be taking what doesn’t belong to you. Is that part of gambling? Be wise and know when to quit…or better yet, when not to get started.

Prayer ~ Lord, open our eyes to see any ways in which we are breaking Your Commandments. Guide our thoughts and actions that we would not desire to take what doesn’t belong to us without working for it. Help us to encourage others to change their ways that we would all think, say and do whatever it is that pleases 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.

Words of the Wise

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. Proverbs 22:17

God gave Moses words to speak to the Israelites shortly before he died. When Moses had finished reciting all these (God’s) words to the people of Israel, he added: "Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River."

The Jordan River - Baptism

Deuteronomy 32:45-47. 

Wise words to your children. Is there anything more important that teaching your children and grandchildren…any children…to obey wise words—God’s words. That was important during Moses time…and for the same holds true for us today. There is nothing as important as applying God’s word to our lives. Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king. Ecclesiastes 9:17. Listen to the words of the wise…and find a way to relate them to your heart and life. Good advice. Do you find them painful or offensive? 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 12:11.   

Prayer ~ Lord God, Help us to listen closely since the wise words You have for us maybe so quietly spoken that we might miss them in the noisy world in which we live. Let us see the wisdom and purity of Your word and how we can best apply it to our lives.

It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.                  -Albert Einstein

© 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 Your Heart’s Desires Fit God’s Plan?

Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice. Proverbs 20:18

The best counsel is with God…as David wrote…In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. May He send you help from His sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. May He remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. May He grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:1-4.

I love that…that God would give me the desires of my heart. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21. 

My heart’s desire is just to please the Lord. LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name. Isaiah 26:8. His plans are my goals in life. No war—although daily trials can be interpreted as combat or warfare—spiritual warfare—for some people. It takes good advice to make it through some conflicts. Seek some good advice from wise people who know God. So don't go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. Proverbs 24:6. What are your heart’s desires? Who are your counselors?

Prayer ~ Dear God, give me friends and Christian advisers that help guide me through the spiritual warfare that confronts us all. Give each of us wisdom that we would follow Your plans for our lives. We want to live to please 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.

What Will You Do with Your Knowledge?

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.  Proverbs 19:20

Wise the rest of your life. How long is the rest of our lives? We all hope that we’ll live a long time…but as Paul wrote to the Philippians while he was in jail in Rome there is some gain in dying…

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Philippians 1:20-24

Here’s some advice that was given to the Israelites by the prophet Isaiah.

O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, "Your God is coming!" Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. Isaiah 40:9-10

Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Has the LORD ever needed anyone's advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice? Isaiah 40:13-14

It seems a little presumptuous to think that someone would give advice to the Lord. He is above all—He has all wisdom and knowledge. How could we possibly tell Him anything? Since He is the source of all wisdom it would be advantageous to know God…to study His way. For more practical matters…we need to soak up the knowledge of experts around us. For those who are still working (I’m retired) identify not only the experts in your area of expertise, but those who are willing to mentor others. Pray about opportunities to work with those particular people. Trust that God will open the doors for you to learn more and apply that to your job. Learning is a life-long process. Even after we retire…we never stop learning. What we do with our knowledge is up to us…get advice and instruction so we can be wise. Then what will you do with your knowledge? Make some wise choices?

Prayer ~ Lord God, in Your mercy, give me knowledge and insight into things that I need to know about…and wisdom and understanding to use that knowledge in a way that brings You glory and honor.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Dessert is always a favorite time of the meal—so what do the Jews serve at Passover? Nothing with leaven…or even wheat flour. Almonds are healthy…and I love them, so I share this simple dessert with you. Enjoy!

Almond Macaroons

5 egg whites, beat until stiff

1½ pounds confectioner’s sugar

5 tablespoons matzoh cake meal

1 lemon rind, grated

1 pound almonds (about 3 1/3 cups), finely ground

Add sugar to beaten egg whites a little at a time. Fold in cake meal, lemon rind and ground almonds. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil. Drop cookie dough onto sheet by teaspoonful, or pipe into a swirled design using a decorator’s bag, leaving about an inch between the cookies. Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool and remove from cookie sheet. Makes about 3½ dozen cookies.

May God bless you and your family as you commemorate once again the Redemption of God’s people from the land of Egypt. May this redemption be a renewal of your own devotion to the Lord. Consider… From what has He redeemed you? For what has He redeemed you?

Passover Begins at Sundown

© 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 There Be Wisdom in Anger?

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27

I figure that God is pretty busy listening to a multitude of people praying at the same time all around the world in so many different languages, so He appreciates hearing succinct prayers that get to the point. That would be the prayers of a wise person…using few words. Solomon wrote some similar words in Ecclesiastes. Don't make rash promises, and don't be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2. That chapter starts off with more interesting advice…As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Ecclesiastes 5:1. Keep your mouth shut! There are so many of us that are so glad to see our Christian friends at church that our mouths are running a mile a minute! Do we forget whose house we are in?  I think so. There have been a couple of times lately that our Pastor has asked everyone to leave the church…not just the sanctuary…quietly—without talking in respect to those still praying and worshiping…and in respect to God. He is awesome and worthy of our praise—and a limited number of words as we pray to Him.

People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. Proverbs 14:29. Controlling one’s temper is truly a gift of the Spirit—self-control. There are other verses that pertain to anger management—isn’t that what controlling one’s temper is all about? Anger management.

Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs 19:11

Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. Ecclesiastes 7:9  

Is a desert lizard hot tempered?

I certainly feel like a fool when I lose my temper. I always considered it just part of my Irish heritage to have a bad temper—but after I became a Christian I learned that God could help me with my fiery temper—and as an adult temper tantrums are really demeaning and unbecoming. Besides that I didn’t want to pass on that trait to my children. Praying, counting to ten or more, and reciting memorized scripture to myself helped me get beyond the temper explosions…and now I can give God the glory when faced with a situation that would have previously caused me to blow up. The understanding is from the Lord—an insight into one’s behavior and application of God’s wisdom. That is the key to controlling anger. I still need to work on applying that to my life daily…with the grace of God…I’ll continue to improve. Will that make me less Irish?   

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, forgive me for my anger…and give me the grace to rely on You to control my anger in a way that brings You glory and honor. Give me wisdom to apply Your word to my life situations that I would not only control my anger…but that it would diminish under all circumstances so that others could see You working in my life.

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

© 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 Is He?

Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is His name—and His son's name? Tell me if you know! Proverbs 30:4

Do you know the Son of God? Have you heard of His glorious works and abilities?

He is the creator almighty. He did come down to earth as a human baby, and grew up to be a great teacher who calmed the stormy Sea of Galilee, and as He told John’s disciples…Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. Luke 7:22. That is what He did. Do you know His name?  Is it…

            Jehovah           Yehoshua        Emmanuel       Son of God                  The Gift of God

            Lamb of God   The Word        The Nazarene  King of the Jews          The Alpha and Omega

            My Lord          The Holy One Savior             The Wisdom of God    My Resting-place

My Master       The Way          The Truth         The Life                       The Bread of Life

            My Teacher     Rabboni           Son of Mary    The True Vine               Light of the World      

            My Shepherd   The Carpenter  The Rock         Friend                          Lord of Lords

            My Keeper       The Advocate  Master              King of Righteousness Righteous Judge

            My Restorer     The Rock         High Priest       The Intercessor             Sure Foundation         

            King of Glory  Emmanuel       My All in All   King of Glory              King of Kings

            My Maker        High Priest       The Life           The Bridegroom           My Sanctification

            I AM                Savior              King of Peace  Prince of Peace             The Bread of Life

            The Living Bread                     The Hidden Manna                              The Rose of Sharon

            The Light of the World             The Bright and Morning Star                The Messiah               

            Jesus Christ

Yes—those are His names—the Son of God—My Savior. Jesus.

Do these names hold any meaning for you?

Are there other names that you think of when you think of Jesus?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus—We lift Your name up high—for You are worthy of our praise and adoration. May Your name always be glorified—and may You be honored in all hearts today.

Happy Birthday Sweet Amelia!

Love and Blessings to our little Lady Bug ~

© 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.

Transformed Lives

To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. Proverbs 29:15

Disgrace. Do we really care about what others think of us or our children? You bet we do. There are parents who would like to walk away from their children…and some do—but it is a wise parent who disciplines their child at an early age, corrects their behavior and encourages good actions so that they are pleasing to the parent and to the Lord. Even with such efforts, some kids just cannot be reached—their will cannot be broken. Their rebellious strong will prevails. The parents of those children still care about what others think…and they are undoubtedly ashamed of their children…and themselves. What can we do?  We can only pray. God is merciful and He can transform lives. It is never too late for a life to be transformed…as long as the person is still living. I heard a mother recently mention a transformation in her Christian son who is over 40 years old. That is a renewal—just like Paul wrote about in his letter to the Romans. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2. Hopefully if a parent becomes a “transformed” person the children will also be changed. We can only hope.

 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, in your infinite wisdom and mercy may those we know with rebellious spirits be changed—transformed—to conform to the image of Jesus Christ. That is one of our earthly goals—to be transformed into a likeness of Jesus.

© 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.

How Are You Walking?

Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. Proverbs 28:26

Contrast of the foolish and the wise, once again. Don’t trust your own judgment—live and walk according to God’s will and His way. You’ll be safe—safe from physical harm and protected from spiritual evils during spiritual warfare. We know that it is not “if” but “when” spiritual warfare will happen.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8. Don’t give him the chance to trip you up. Keep your eyes on Jesus and your ears open for the still voice of God—guiding and directing you—giving you His wisdom.                                                                                          

How Are You Walking?

 

For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light. Psalm 56:13

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called—His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:15-18.

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20. God gives us such wise advice—we need to look no further than His Word.

The LORD has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, guide our footsteps that we would walk in wisdom—in spiritual wisdom. Give us insight to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of You, God. Continue to give us hope for we are Your sons and daughters—destined to spend an eternal life with 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.

Sweet Wisdom

My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short. Proverbs 24:13-14

Hope. Such a wonderful feeling. A wonderful attribute giving us an outlook for a glorious future.

H – Hope is what we were given when we were saved. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it). Romans 8:24

O – Opportunity. Jesus taught about His followers having an opportunity to tell others about Him—as they go though some hard times. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don't worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! Luke 21:13-15

P – Power. Jesus sent seventy-two of His followers out to minister in Palestine. When they returned they were amazed at the authority and power Jesus had given them. Jesus said…Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven. Luke 10:19-20

E – Encourage. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Ah—hope for…honey. Just a spoonful of honey every day…provides natural immunity to all the allergens in the pollen that is being blown around at this time of the year. Hope for healthier living using what God has provided for us…honey and wisdom. Use the wisdom that God provides. Listen quietly to hear His voice and obey. Do you trust the Lord to lead and guide you?                                                                                                                                                                                                

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, we praise You above all things for You are the source of wisdom, joy and hope in our lives. May You continue to graciously provide all things for us…and guide us in all that we think, say and do that the light of Jesus would shine in our lives giving hope to others. Hope even to those we do not know--because Jesus came to save all mankind.

© 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.

Building a Strong House--A Strong Home

April 16 – Building a Strong House—A Strong Home

A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Proverbs 24:3

You’ve probably heard the song about building your house on the rock.

The Wise Man Built His House

The wise man built his house upon the rock

The wise man built his house upon the rock

The wise man built his house upon the rock

And the rain came tumbling down

                                                                                   

Oh, the rain came down

And the floods came up

The rain came down

And the floods came up

The rain came down

And the floods came up

And the wise man's house stood firm.

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

And the rain came tumbling down

Oh, the rain came down

And the floods came up

The rain came down

And the floods came up

The rain came down

And the floods came up

And the foolish man's house went "splat!" [clap hands once]

So, build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ

Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ

Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ

And the blessings will come down

Oh, the blessings come down

As your prayers go up

The blessings come down

As your prayers go up

The blessings come down

As your prayer go up

So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Such wise advice…build your house, your life on the Lord Jesus Christ.

My son and daughter-in-law are building their own home…on a nice hillside. Their life is built on the Lord Jesus Christ and their home has already proven to withstand the strong winds of this area. The contractor who put on the roof used lots of extra nails—so those shingles are sure be there in thirty years. Day by day they put their trust in the Lord to watch over the workers’ safety and give God the glory for providing the materials and energy to do another day’s work. They have sought out wise experts for specific tasks. Only with wisdom will their house be built. Now about eighty more day…or less until they'll be finished. The end is in sight! Lots of hard work behind them…and ahead of them—but they can claim the promise…For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13.

Another promise to claim…For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

 Isaiah 43:19. This is a wilderness where we live…the only trees are those that are planted by people…unless you count the Russian Olive trees—that are actually overgrown shrubs. They have a sharp thorn that is part of their water conservation process, but can be a great stickler to someone attempting to climb it or even walk nearby. 

We have a mighty river in our wilderness…the great Columbia River—alongside which we have a pathway for walking, biking and jogging. For me it is a great place to pray as I go…remembering how great and merciful our God is. Healing, renewing, and making things new and strong.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Your praises are new every morning…For you examine us every morning and test us every moment. Job 7:18. Continue to bless and guide my family, giving them wisdom with each decision they make. Keep them all safe and healthy. We exalt You for You are an awesome God and You are our God, our Lord and Savior, and our Teacher and Comforter. Bless You, O my Lord  

Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.      - Benjamin Franklin

© 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

Almost Tax Day

The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. Proverbs 21:20.

Like the ant the wise person socks away some money for a rainy day…for the winter…for the future. That old lazy grasshopper that enjoyed every day of summer in The Ant and Grasshopper Aesop’s tale was a beggar when the winter wind and snow arrived. The ant represents the wise person…and the grasshopper represents the fool. When you were growing up did you save every penny you earned or did you blow it all on candy, gum and cheap toys? What do you do as an adult—spend or save? I managed to save some along the way for a rainy day…and it is a blustery day out there today. Ha ha. Seriously I don’t consider myself especially wise, wealthy or living in luxury, but I’m not like the fool and spend everything I get. 

Taxes are taxes. It doesn’t matter if you are wise and save for the tax day…or if you are foolish and spend the whole paycheck—even before it arrives. Taxes still have to be paid. When confronted by the Jewish teachers about paying taxes, Jesus said…"Well then," He said, "give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God." Luke 20:25. Pay what is due to the US Treasury…and give to God what belongs to Him. That time is upon us now—this year it is actually due on April 18^th…so you have the weekend to finish up your taxes.

Prayer ~ Lord God, help us to be responsible and wise about the finances that You provide to us. As it is written in Proverbs 30:8…“give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.” May all that I think, say and do reflect Your wisdom and draw people to the Way the Truth and the Life…to You, Jesus.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is time to plan and prepare for Passover. Passover starts at sundown on Friday, April 22^nd. One of the key dishes for that Sedar is Charoseth that represents the mortar for bricks that the Hebrew used as slaves in Egypt. Sweetness for the joy of the redemption that God provided.

Charoseth

2 crisp apples (1 sweet such as Gala and 1 tart such as Granny Smith), peeled and roughly chopped

1 cup walnuts

1 cup raisins

½ cup fresh orange juice

¼ cup kosher red wine or grape juice

2 Tbsp honey

1 tsp finely grated lemon

1 tsp cinnamon, or to taste

       kosher salt

Heat the walnuts on medium heat in a small sauce pan, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool, then roughly chop.

Meanwhile, combine the raisins and orange juice in a small saucepan; simmer over medium-low heat until most of the liquid is absorbed, 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool, then stir in the wine or juice, honey, lemon zest, cinnamon, and about ¼ teaspoon salt.

In a large bowl, combine the apples and walnuts with the raisin mixture and toss to combine. Cover and let sit for at least 4 hours. Serves 8 – makes 4 cups

Serve with matzah bread during the Seder and enjoy it during the meal, if desired.

© 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

Unusually Wise

There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise:

Ants—they aren't strong, but they store up food all summer.

Hyraxes (similar to rabbit)—they aren't powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks.

Locusts—they have no king, but they march in formation.

Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings' palaces. Proverbs 30:24-28

Unusually wise? I never thought of lizards or locusts being wise…and especially not rabbits. Although with their quick start and slow finish, like the rabbit in Aesop’s fable about the Turtle and the Hare, there is a wisdom that keeps them off of busy highways and from being hit by cars there. Do you identify with any of those animals that Solomon mentioned as wise? I like to think of myself like an ant—always working hard—but although I don’t do much food preservation to store up for the winter, we always have plenty to eat. And our freezer has stuff in it from a couple of years ago—eek. We need to eat that and clean out the freezer at least once a year. Not an unusually wise move to have old food taking up space. I’m making that a goal to eat up and clean out our freezer! How about you? Any goals for this spring? It is time to prepare for the Passover that begins on April 22^nd.  We’ve already had Easter—but Passover is a set day on the Hebrew calendar—the 14^th of Nisan at sundown. Time to get the leaven out of our homes…the sin out of our lives. I’ve been impressed as I’ve been reading up on the Passover—the Pesah—that it is a time of seeking forgiveness. It is a time of Redemption, in remembrance of the time when the angel of death passed over the Hebrew homes marked with the blood of the sacrificed lamb and God brought the Israelites out of Egypt. It is this redemption that the Jews look forward to today as they wait for the appearance of their Messiah. Our Messiah is clearly Y’shua—Jesus. He was the Passover Lamb—and as John the Baptist declared—Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, John 1:29.  He may have appeared weak to some…but Jesus is unusually wise. He is the living, resurrected Afikomen. Praise be to God. Halleluyah!

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing Yourself to us as the Lamb of God—as our risen Savior, our Messiah. You are wise above all. We praise 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

Obey or Bring Shame

Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. Proverbs 28:7

I recently prayed (April 10^th blog) for my grandchildren to have good friends who make wise choices. Good Christian friends are so important…they were an important impact for my son. He still has close contact with his friends from his high school youth group. My closest friends were also my church friends. Although there were only 44 in my high school graduating class, I went to a very cliquish school—everyone’s closest friends were their church friends. Most of those who didn’t go to church had ties with someone who did go…or they were part of the “wild” ones who did bring shame to their parents. Wisdom gained from church activities and wise mentors is valuable in teen years. Even before the teen years there is an advantage to having your children associate with other law abiding kiddos-those who have respect for their parents and other adults. Respect for God. That is probably the key to obedience at any age. Did you obey your parents and the law or were you part of the “wild” group who brought disgrace to their families? Does a fire burn within your heart--with wisdom or rebellion?

Pray for your children, grandchildren, extended family, friends’ and neighbors’ children that they would make wise choices. We all have the opportunities day by day, moment by moment to make choices that affect our lives—and show respect to God and others.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I humbly submit myself to You, knowing that not all the choices I make are worthy of You. Please give me wisdom—and be gracious to my children, grandchildren, other young people in my neighborhood and within my circle of influence—that we would honor You in all that we think, say and do. No shame—no disgrace—just dignity and Your love that covers a multitude of sins.

© 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