No Verbal Abuse

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. James 1:26

When a person is decisive they stick to what is right and make good decisions. They refuse to verbally hurt others. Jesus was never abusive, verbally or physically. What a good example for us. Verbal abuse hurts relationships—those who are actively involved in the giving or receiving of harmful words—and those who overhear that abuse, like children. People may think they are in control when they are verbally abusive, but that is deceptive as it negates respect and ruins their relationships. Choices must be made, but if habits need to be broken it may take some time and professional counseling may be necessary. Verbal abuse is destructive—so decisively agree to not allow that in your family. Respect and love are the keys to good relationships.  

Wisdom in Action – Read the passages listed below and discuss each one with your family whether they agree or disagree.

1.      James 3:2,8      The tongue can be tamed. 

2.      James 3:2         We stumble in many ways with what we say. 

3.      James 3:4         A rudder is small but controls the ships directions. 

4.      James 3:5         A small flame can cause a forest to burn down. 

5.      James 3:9         As Christians our tongue can only bless God now. 

6.      James 3:11       A fountain can give bitter and fresh water at the same time.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, help us to control our tongues and speak in a way that does not hurt others and always honors You.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Verbal abuse is abuse. Can you irradicate it you’re your life and your home?

Adapted from October 17, 2013 Banquet With The King blog.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is time to use up that zucchini from the garden…and what better way to do it than to combine it with chocolate. Enjoy!

Death By Chocolate Zucchini Bread

(Adapted from Delish website via Facebook friends)

½ c. melted butter or coconut oil

½ c. dark cocoa powder, plus more for dusting pan

1½ c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. kosher salt

¾ c. sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. grated zucchini (about 1 medium sized)

2/3 c. chocolate chips

Flaky or freshly ground chunky sea salt, for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray or butter and dust a loaf pan with cocoa powder. In large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

In another large bowl, beat together sugar and eggs until smooth, 1 minute. Add melted butter and vanilla and mix until smooth. Add zucchini, then add flour mixture in 3 additions. Fold in chocolate chips. Transfer batter to prepared pan and bake 50 minutes.

Let cool slightly in pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve.

© 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 is Your Hiding Place?

For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Psalm 32:7-8

God will protect you. The ultimate comfort—the greatest promise. God is on your side. David wrote about God being his hiding place. God hasn’t changed. He is our hiding place and will protect us. From what or whom do you have to hide?

God promises to guide you in the best pathway, to advice and to guard you—to keep you from harm.

People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. Proverbs 10:17. The pathway is important. Solomon goes on to tell us that if we seek God’s will, then He will show you which path to take. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8.

Similarly, Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount…But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NASB. All these things are food, clothing, and shelter. That is a path of care and security. Once again a promise that He will take care of those who seek Him—those who want to follow Him and do His will. Are you seeking Him in your life—to live the way He wants you to live—serving Him? Here’s another pathway promise that seems especially good for those of us who live in a semi-desert area of Eastern Washington state. 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. Let Him guide you in His pathway. 

 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, guide me along Your pathway providing me wisdom, security, and protection. I trust You with all my heart and am leaning on You, not my own understanding, as I seek to do Your will.

© 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.

Dressed and Ready for Service

Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when He comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for Him. Luke 12:35-36 NIV

I had a sweet aunt who was always dressed up, with good clothes, make-up and earrings, no matter what the time of day when we’d go to visit her even if she didn’t know we were coming. Back in the day it was OK to drop in on family at any time. My Aunt Mary’s wise advice was that I should always get dressed first thing in the morning. Don’t sit around with your hair up in rollers—that was what how we curled our hair back in the ‘60s. She told me about a time that she sat reading a book and relaxing in her pajamas and robe one morning when a couple of police officers came to the door because her neighbor had been in a horrible automobile accident. They wanted her to sit with his wife until family came from out of town. She wanted to change first, but they said no there wasn’t time. So she had to go with them in her pjs, robe and slippers to sit for hours with her neighbor. What a humbling lesson. Always get dressed. You never know what your day will hold. I’ve tried to follow her wise advice.

Like Jesus’ instruction in this scripture recorded in Luke. Be dressed and ready for service.

It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. Luke 12:38-39 NIV

Like the ten bridesmaids whose story is found in Matthew 25. They all rested until the time when the bridegroom came. They were all dressed, but only the five wise ones were ready as they trimmed the wick of their lamps and had extra oil. Those five made it into the banquet hall with their lamps burning. The other five were left out of the banquet feast when they went to get more oil. Be ready for the bridegroom will say…So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:13.

We don’t know the hour, the day…or the year, but we do have the promise of His return. Be ready. Keep watch. How that working for you?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, thank you for revealing Yourself to us and for your continual reminder to be ready.

© 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.

Where Do You Get Truth, Wisdom, Discipline or Good Judgment?

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

You can’t buy or sell truth. Wisdom, discipline and good judgment aren’t something that you can purchase at a grocery or department store…or even to a bookstore. In which aisle would you find them if you could? Where do you get them? Can you get them here or there…can you get them anywhere? Get Truth and never sell it. It is not a commodity that you can barter or sell to others. Each person must seek the Truth for themselves. Seek and you will find.

Well…you can get them by asking God for them. He has a huge warehouse full of Truth and Wisdom, as well as Discipline and Good Judgment. Ask Him. Jesus told His disciples…You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:24. Wisdom with joy—abundant joy. What could be better? Search the scriptures and learn from Jesus’ teaching. Shop via a concordance or search engine. Make your “wish list” and dig into God’s Word. He’s got some great treasures for you to find. I love that God repeated things over and over…hiding His treasures in the Old and New Testaments. Can’t find what you are looking for? Then switch to another Bible translation. Look for a word or phrase that is similar to what you are looking for.

Jesus is the Truth. Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6.

Jesus is Wisdom…as described by Paul…God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; He made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin. 1 Corinthians 1:30.

Jesus is our source of Truth and Wisdom. He can give it to each of us…to you.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, once again we humbly ask for wisdom—for You are the source of all wisdom and truth.

© 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 Carefully

Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge. Proverbs 23:12

Listen carefully. Focus on what is being said to you. In this day when multi-tasking is so prevalent we tend to not listen specifically to what is being said. We try to focus on two, three or more things at once. It is impossible to give our total attention to many things. When Jesus’ friend Martha was likely multitasking and worrying about lots of things Jesus told her…"My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42. Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet listening intently to His teaching. Are you listening to Jesus’ teaching? Are you gaining words of knowledge by not just reading His Words, but by really studying His instructions? Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, give us wisdom to listen carefully to Your teaching that we would be able to understand it completely, apply it to our lives and explain it to others.

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

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

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

Celebrate! 7

My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. Proverbs 23:15-16

The heart to the Hebrews represented a person’s mind or emotions, whereas the breath represented the soul or life and the body depicted strength. We are to love the Lord our God…And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5.

So little kiddo, if your heart—that is your mind, the way your think and speak—is wise in regards to understanding about God—I am very happy. Like Solomon wrote, I’m going to celebrate.  I’ll celebrate when you speak kindly to others, when you treat others like you would treat Jesus Himself. That is really something about which to applaud and rejoice! Let’s celebrate good behavior! I celebrate you!

Good behavior isn’t always easy to achieve, but you can do it. Make good choices. Remember the verse…For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13. All things—not just some things. If you have problems, pray about it. Ask Jesus to help you think, say and do the right things! Can you do that? 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, help us each to make good decisions to treat others kindly—like You did.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Liberty!

May God bless you and may you make good decisions as you walk down the path of life.

© 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.

Jesus Died Once for All

For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And He did not enter heaven to offer Himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, He has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by His own death as a sacrifice. And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him. Hebrews 9:24-28

Jesus was the sacrificial lamb. He died—was sacrificed—on a cross at the exact same time that a sacrifice of a lamb was performed in the Jewish Temple for the Passover. He died once for all. For all sin…for all mankind. To those who believe in Him He offers salvation. Salvation from their sins. Once for all. One sacrifice for all sin. One sacrifice for all mankind. Jesus didn’t have to be sacrificed again after His resurrection. As He said on the cross “It is finished.” (John 19:30). His work on earth was complete. Now work in heaven is being done. A home is being created for all believers.

Have you accepted the fact that Jesus died for your sins? Have you repented from your sin, allowing His blood, shed for you, to wash your heart as white as snow? Will you have a home in heaven with Him? The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I am in awe of You. You made the ultimate sacrifice, suffering there on that cross for me. I humbly repent and admit that I cannot escape my mistakes and bad attitude without Your help. Thank 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.

Are You Ready?

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:1-3

Jesus was talking with and teaching His disciples in the Upper Room during His last supper with them. His words must have been comforting to them later…after His death and resurrection. He was going to prepare a place for them. Just like the Jewish bridegroom prepares a place…a room in his father’s home. Jesus is preparing a place for all His believers, as He promised His disciples. Is there a room for you?

Another time the disciples had asked Jesus about His coming and the end of the age. Jesus said…So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:42-44. Be ready. What can you do to “be ready?” When I was talking with one of my brothers about the end times and being ready, he wisely said that we need to deal with forgiveness. Forgive others. How much? Everything. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13.

Peter's Fish

Jesus’ disciple Peter asked Jesus about forgiving others. Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven! Matthew 18:21-22. Seventy times seven. Four hundred and ninety times. Do we have to keep track? No—never. That’s the point. Forgiveness should be endless. Are you ready? Have you reached out to anyone who has offended you, or to whom you have offended? Forgiveness. That is the key to being ready.

Prayer ~ Father, forgive me for not keeping all Your commandments—for those little things I think and do that don’t give You glory and honor. Open my eyes and my heart to anyone I have offended and give me grace to be forgiven by them. Help me also to forgive anyone for anything that has offended me. I want to be ready when You send Christ for His bride—the church.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Next Sunday is my sweet granddaughter Liberty’s 7^th birthday. In honor of her I’m sharing the recipe that was printed last year in her Kindergarten class cookbook, Secrets from the KA Kitchen. The class compiled a cookbook for their Mothers’ Day.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes by Liberty

Get a whole bag of pancake powder. Put in ½ gallon of cow milk. Put in 2 or 3 eggs.

Mix together.

Add a handful of chocolate chips. Put on frying pan that fries the pancakes. Cook on 10 degrees for 10 minutes until it bubbles. Add the sprinkles. Add 1 teaspoon of syrup.

Drink with orange juice.

Liberty revised this to say that you cook the pancakes on a hot griddle—so be careful not to get burned.

© 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.

Wisely Rejoice and Be Glad

Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. Revelation 19:7

Who is this bride of Christ? The church is the bride of Christ. The body of Christ—the believers.

Christ is also the head of the church, which is His body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So He is first in everything. Colossians 1:18  

And the church is His body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with Himself. Ephesians 1:23

How has the bride…the church “prepared herself?” Just like the Jewish bride who gets ready—adores herself and waits for her groom to come and get her in accordance with the Jewish wedding customs—the church is to get ready and wait for Christ’s return. She (the Church) has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear. For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God's holy people. And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." And he added, "These are true words that come from God." Revelation 19:8-9.

Christ’s blood shed for the believers “prepares” the church providing them with the white robes they will wear in heaven. Everything has been taken care of by our Savior. We just have to wait…and while we wait we’ll want to do good things…good deeds…for Him. Those deed won’t get us into heaven, they’ll just be the frosting on the cake.  A promise fulfilled.

So with all the wisdom you’ve been given, rejoice and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Give Him the glory.

Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation. Psalm 100:1-5.

This is going to be the wedding of a lifetime—The One that you will want to attend. All believers WILL be invited. Have you received your invitation?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I rejoice knowing that You have made the ultimate sacrifice for me, for my family, friends and neighbors—for everyone. Thank You. I look forward to seeing You—as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, coming for Your bride—the church. All Praise to You. Glory, Glory, Glory!

© 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 Prepared

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when He appears to set up His Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Be prepared…as Paul taught the Ephesians that in putting on the armor of Christ we have to know God’s Word, the Good News, so that we are prepared. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. Ephesians 6:15. In addition, be prepared with what you can say to others about God—about Christ and how He is working in your life.

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. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:13-16  

What will you say about God’s Word?

For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. 2 Timothy 4:3 HCSB.

It is important for each of us to understand Jesus’ teaching thoroughly—not just the “Jesus Loves Me” song level—but the deep “love your neighbor as yourself” and humbling ourselves before the Lord in repentance and submission doctrine. We have to be able to apply His Word to our lives. Don’t look for something new—some new teaching or bright new theology from a book other than the Bible. Jesus taught that there will be false prophets who will try to deceive us. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. Matthew 24:24.

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here. 1 John 4:1-3.

Be wise about what you think, say and do to honor the Lord. Who are you relying upon to teach you about the Bible? Are you reading it for yourself? Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15  

Are you prepared?

Prayer ~ Lord, give us wisdom to understand Your Word and You more deeply and to apply it to our lives. May we be prepared to tell others about You and the impact You have in our lives, daily.

Happy Birthday to Jane!

May God continue to bless you as you seek and serve Him daily

© 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.

Life is NOT About Me

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

Jesus taught about treating others the way you want to be treated during His Sermon on the Mount. In earlier verses He taught that we aren’t to judge others—that goes along with the way we are to treat others. Matthew Henry expounds upon this in his commentary giving some good insights saying that we must live righteously. We must love our neighbor as ourselves. I think that what we say and do stems from what we think. That is where our attitudes start—in the mind and heart. So wisely guard your thoughts like Paul teaches in Philippians 4.

Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:5-8

Be considerate. Think wisely—focus your thoughts on God. Not easy if you are like me—thinking about “me”…my feelings. Like everyone else, I just want to be accepted. No matter that I’ve lived in this community over 25 years—I’m still a newcomer. I recently felt rejected when people who are “old timers” couldn’t include me. That’s OK. Life is NOT about me. I need to be sharing Jesus…not focusing on my own personal feelings. The pastor at our church was encouraging us to invite others to church. I asked myself “Why?” “Why would I want to invite someone new to be snubbed by these old timers?” Oh yes…life is not about me and there are plenty of others with whom to be friends. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Include them—welcome them into your group, your midst, your fellowship—your heart and your home. If they accept your invitation, then you’ll be treating them the way you want to be treated. Accepted, loved and encouraged. Why not reach out?

Prayer ~ Lord, give me the boldness to reach out to others around me…and to treat them the way I want to be treated—with love, respect and acceptance. Thank You for Your love and encouragement. It puts a smile in my heart and on my face.

Welcome Baby Girl. Little Naomi Marie Pearl.

Blessings on you and your sweet family.

© 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.

Put On Love - Decisively

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15

Be Thankful. It won’t be long until Thanksgiving will be here…well 66 days—so it is a while, but time goes by so very quickly. Now is the time to start planning for a perfect Thanksgiving—one filled with unity, love and thankfulness. Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays of the year—always lots of good food. But also there are lots of opportunities to share with others from the bounty that God has provided to us. It should be a time to go outside our comfort zone and personally reach out to homeless and less fortunate. Start a food drive of your own, or get involved with one that happens locally in your area. Is there an opportunity to gleaning some orchards or even just your own garden

to share with others? Put on that heart of compassion. Decisively, wisely decide to forgive someone—and instead of bitterness and hard feelings, let a bond of unity form between you. With the peace that Christ gives you because of that decision—give thanks. Jesus deserves to be recognized and appreciated for His enduring love. 

Wisdom in Action – Check with a local agency or church and find a needy family to whom you can minister. With your family start to plan a Thanksgiving meal for that needy family. Make a shopping list and go to the store and buy everything that is needed for that meal, along with some extras like special holiday napkins, candy and then include an extra roll of paper towels and toilet paper. Let the children make a holiday greeting card and then deliver the fixing for the meal to the family. You may want to include some recipes for the meal, a family devotional book and a holiday movie for the family to watch.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Let the word of Christ richly dwell within us, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing us as we sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to You. Whatever we do in word or deed, we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to You Father God. Colossians 3:16-17

Adapted from October 16, 2013 Banquet With The King blog

© 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.

Forgive and You Will Be Forgiven

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Psalm 86:5

There is wisdom in forgiveness. God is poised…ready to forgive. What needs to happen first? We need to either ask for forgiveness—confessing our sins…or we need to forgive others.

John wrote…

But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

All wickedness, malice, iniquity or unrighteousness. Different translations use different words—but it is just plain evilness that haunts everyone. Note that the verse says all, not just some, but all. That is pretty generous. God is faithful and just. He also treats everyone the same…so that everyone’s, not just all my sins that are forgiven. And it is all not just some sins, but all confessed sin is forgiven. Nice.

During His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers…

Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:9-15

Forgive others and you will be forgiven. There is wisdom in God’s forgiveness. How can He possibly forgive if people won’t forgive each other? There was a similar teaching from Jesus that Luke recorded.

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. Luke 6:37-38

I’ve always thought that forgiveness was like a gift and the more you give, the more you receive. Give lots of forgiveness…and you’ll get lots of forgiveness. That is not what the verse says, but it does make sense. If we forgive we’ll be forgiven. I’m going to take a closer look at people, relationships and the need for forgiveness—from me to others. Who do I need to ask for forgiveness?

Forgive and you will be forgiven. Pure and simple. That’s God’s way. Pure and simple. People try to make Christianity complicated or hard to follow, but it is not. Do you agree with that? What does forgiveness look like? A cross? Or how about fireworks?  Lots of forgiveness would put on a pretty big show...and can't you just hear the "ahhhhh" with each big boom of forgiveness.

Forgive and you’ll be forgiven. Can you do that?

Prayer ~ Lord God, Forgive me for not following Your wise plan. Search me and know my heart and see if there is any evilness in me—if there is anyone I need to ask for forgiveness…or to whom I need to extend forgiveness. No cheekiness in my life, Lord. I 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.

Rejecting Advice

The leaders of Israel summoned him, and Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel went to speak with Rehoboam. "Your father was a hard master," they said. "Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects." Rehoboam replied, "Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer." So the people went away. Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. "What is your advice?" he asked. "How should I answer these people?" The older counselors replied, "If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects." But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers. "What is your advice?" he asked them. "How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?" The young men replied, "This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist! Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I'm going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!'" Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam's decision, just as the king had ordered. But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors. 1 Kings 12:3-13

How often do you ask others for advice and then reject their advice? I’ve found myself asking for suggestions from family and friends about home remodeling projects—but then not taking their advice. So far we’re only replacing doors—we haven’t started the really big bathroom remodeling. When it comes down to it will my husband and I reject others’ advice? Not quite the same as Rehoboam rejecting his advisors’ guidance, but similar. When we don’t listen to others are we not listening to God either? What advice or instruction have you received from God lately? Some things that we hear over and over are to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, as well as to love your neighbor as yourself. These are commands from God…not just suggestions. Do we totally, wholeheartedly do 

those? What about other advice? What did you read in God’s word today that you can think about…meditate on later in the day…that you can apply to your life? How will you use that scripture to direct your thoughts, words and actions in a way that is of service and pleasing to the Lord? Isn’t that what life is all about—serving God and others? One thing I’m convinced of is that life is not about being entertained—it is about relationships. In relationships we share and learn from each other. We build bridges. We consider others’ advice. Seek God’s wisdom in choosing which advice to follow. Hmmm…what is He telling us about our bathroom remodeling? How about you—your projects and your struggles? Are you allowing God to provide advice and guidance?

Prayer ~Lord, give us wisdom to follow Your advice first and foremost in our lives. Guide us with Your Word that we would make good choices for ourselves and with our families and friends.

© 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 a Gentleman?

"If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me." John 12:47-50

Jesus is a gentleman. He doesn’t force His ideas or love on anyone. If people don’t want to listen to Him—no biggy. If they do listen, but chose not to keep His commandment or life guidance, then He doesn’t condemn them, or judge them. But it shouldn’t be any surprise to them later that the words themselves will judge them. Everyone will decide their own fate. Each person chooses where they spend eternity—heaven or hell. People just assume that they will go to heaven just because they are kind or have done some good deed, but it is not so. If they don’t choose to believe in Jesus, the default choice is hell. Hmmm—who would choose to go to hell?

Jesus is a gentleman. He is obedient to His Father and speaks just what His Father has told Him to say. He’s honest, true and compassionate. He doesn’t coherence others into following His ideals—those of His Father. Eternal life. What a privilege to live with the Father—forever.

Jesus is a gentleman. He is speaking, Are you wisely listening?

Dear Jesus—Please give us wisdom to be more like You every day. To be kind, honest, true and compassionate. Show us how to share the Way to Eternal Life.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Quick and easy. I’m not one who usually does canned biscuits or mixes. The less processed foods the better. I like cooking from scratch and I used to make the dough for traditional Czech plum dumplings using mashed potatoes. Recently I cut corners and fixed fresh plum and peach dumplings for my South Carolina family using canned biscuits. So here’s a quicky dessert.

Fruit Dumplings

16 fresh prune plums, wash and pat dry (leave whole)

[May substitute other fresh fruit like peaches, apples or pears, cut in 1½ inch chunks]

1 can Pillsbury large biscuits (or your own biscuit dough)

Note: if you want a thick doughy dumpling use one biscuit per plum or chunk of fruit

PAM or spray coconut oil

Cinnamon (1 Tbsp) & sugar (1/4 cup), mixed

Cottage cheese, 1 small carton

Sour cream, 1 small carton

Heat water in a steamer pot to boil.

Roll the biscuits to ¼ inch thickness. Cut in half diagonally.  Wrap fruit in dough. Pinch edges to seal shut. Spray steamer pan with spray oil. Place fruit in steamer pan leaving about a ½ inch around each dumpling. Depending on the size of your pan you may have to cook more than one batch. Steam for about 15 minutes. Remove from steamer sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Serve immediately, or as soon as possible while still hot. Remove the plum pits when you eat the dumplings. Enjoy with cottage cheese and/or sour cream.

© 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.

Time is Not an Issue…Yet

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:8-10

God is patient with everyone. He lets us decide if we want to “repent” or not—a real gentleman—not forcing Himself or His ideas on anyone. He’s in no rush—time isn’t important. Well...an end of time will come for each person with their death, at the Rapture, when the Lord calls His church home, or at judgement at the end of the age. Everyone must decide by then--if Jesus is their Savior.  Wise choice for those who choose Jesus. October 2, 2016 is Rosh Hashanah, the Feast of Trumpets. Are you ready if that is the day that Christ redeems His church?

We’ve all heard the one day as a thousand…and a thousand years as one day, but is it just related to creation time period? I guess not. Here in this passage it is talking about “the day of the Lord” when Jesus Christ returns for the final time. The earth and sky will be burned up—life as we know it will be over. Those who don’t choose Christ—choose repentance—will perish. Where do you stand with the Lord?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give me grace to continually have a repentant heart. I am so thankful that God is patient with me. Please give me wisdom and help me to always be ready…ready for Christ’s return and ready to give an answer for the hope that I have. May I  sanctify Christ as Lord in my heart, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks me to give an account for the hope that is in me, yet with gentleness and reverence…. 1 Peter 3:15

Adapted from October 17, 2015 Banquet With The King blog.

© 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 Smart

It is the LORD who created the stars, the Pleiades and Orion. He turns darkness into morning and day into night. He draws up water from the oceans and pours it down as rain on the land. The LORD is His name! With blinding speed and power He destroys the strong, crushing all their defenses. How you hate honest judges! How you despise people who tell the truth! You trample the poor, stealing their grain through taxes and unfair rent. Therefore, though you build beautiful stone houses, you will never live in them. Though you plant lush vineyards, you will never drink wine from them. For I know the vast number of your sins and the depth of your rebellions. You oppress good people by taking bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts. So those who are smart keep their mouths shut, for it is an evil time. Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the LORD God of Heaven's Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Amos 5:8-14

Blue Door in Jerusalem

God was speaking to the Jewish people through His prophet, Amos. The message is still good for God’s people today. We need to acknowledge that it is the Lord who created the stars, the sun, the oceans…and the rain. He still can destroy those who aren’t obedient to Him—the rebellious, dishonest, liars, cheaters, and those who oppress others. I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of God. There is no hope in destruction by the almighty God. There is hope in turning to God—running to Him—and knowing that His heavenly army will help you. We are in a spiritual battle…For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12. That was an evil time…this is an evil time. We can’t escape evil without the help of our Lord God…and His angels. Even painting a door blue won't guarantee keeping away evil.

Be smart and keep your mouth shut. I know that when I open my mouth and speak, I sometimes stick my foot in my mouth. Not a very wise action—and not exactly tasty. I just speak out of turn—interrupting others or say something uncouth. I need to think before I speak and ask myself if what I’m going to say is TKN. True. Kind. Necessary. God wants us to “do what is good and run from evil so that we may live.” TKN has its basis in one of my favorite verses. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8. Think, speak and do the right thing. Honor God. That seems pretty smart to me—even wise. How’s your day going? Wisely?

Prayer ~ Lord God, give us wisdom to see ourselves as You see us and help us to put on our armor, to stand firm in our faith as your angels fight this battle of evil around us.

© 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.

Wear Clean Clothes

The persons being purified must then wash their clothes, shave off all their hair, and bathe themselves in water. Then they will be ceremonially clean and may return to the camp. However, they must remain outside their tents for seven days. On the seventh day they must again shave all the hair from their heads, including the hair of the beard and eyebrows. They must also wash their clothes and bathe themselves in water. Then they will be ceremonially clean. Leviticus 14:8-9

Clean clothes are important. When I asked my dear friend Linda C. what wise advice she had for me—without hesitation she answered, “Always wear clean underwear.” That was advice that her mother and grandmother told her. You never know when you will be in an accident or whatever—so it is important to have clean underwear. A good friend of my parents was a nurse who was always giving us good advice. She said to not only wear clean underwear—but always wear your best underwear. If there’s an accident and they have to cut your jeans off at least you’ll have clean underwear. Clean clothes are important. They earn you good self-esteem and respect. Besides that fresh washed garments just feel good…from the inside out.

In Leviticus God gave Moses a specific ritual for the leper and the priest to follow directions for the lepers who had been healed. The lepers were to isolate themselves. Cut their hair. Wash their clothes and themselves. When they put on clean clothes they were ceremonially clean.

Can we apply that to a spiritual situation? Like the healed leper, anyone who is spiritually restored has been cleansed and will be wearing a new white robe in heaven. God had a plan with the lepers…and He has a plan for each repentant person who turns to Him for salvation. Where do you stand with the Lord? Are you wearing clean clothes?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I’m washed spiritually clean by Your blood. Thank You for Your sacrifice—for me and for everyone. May people continue to turn to You—and put on clean clothes worthy of 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.

666 – Wisdom is Needed

He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die. He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666. Revelation 13:15-18.

666  If you asked just anyone on the street about the number 666 they would probably tell you that it has something to do with satan or the mark of the beast—end times. It seemed unlikely that would really ever happen, but now technology is there. Veterinarians implant a chip into dogs that labels them with all their information including their owner’s address and phone number. The same can be done for humans. Not only our address, but our bank account information, too. So that just swipe that chip and low and behold, the money has been transferred out of your account into the store’s account. Wisdom is needed here. Are you ready to trust that to happen? Sure. Most credit cards now have a “chip” and some stores have a “chip reader” so that the information is “securely” accessed and money is transferred. Next step…chip in our hand or our forehead? Wisdom is needed here. Understanding is needed. This “mark” of the beast may not be an ugly tattoo, but just a simple little ittey bitty chip embedded under our skin. Are you ready to submit to that? Will that mean that we would “worship” the beast? Consider your actions. Who will you worship? But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24. Wisdom is needed here.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, give us wisdom and understanding for actions that could affect our way of life. Give us strength to remain loyal to 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