Discover God

I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim. Ecclesiastes 8:17

I realize that the more I know…the more there is to know. Isn’t that the same with you? With discovering knowledge about God…that is even more challenging. He is the source of all knowledge. I can never discover everything God is doing—and what He knows. Wisdom comes from God.

In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people's burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night. Ecclesiastes 8:16

Solomon searched for wisdom. I do, too, but we will never discover everything. We don’t need to discover everything this side of the heaven. Wisdom will be perfect in heaven.

When Job was facing his challenges and his friends were counseling him one friend said….

Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld—what do you know? Job 11:7-8.

God is so knowledgeable and takes care of so many people at once…all around the world…all through time. …no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Discover as much as you can about Him. He is worthy of our time, energy, praise and life.

On All-Saints day, we stop to consider the devoted followers of God—who have given their lives in service to our Lord and creator. They are true saints—worthy of the honor they will receive in heaven. The eve of this day has been distorted into a masquerade of satanic characters, princesses, cartoon characters and whatever people feel like celebrating. A big party time. There is nothing wrong with having a party...but who or what are you celebrating?

Prayer ~ Lord God on this hallowed eve of All-Saints Day, protect the innocent children who are out to have a good time…a fun party. Guard their hearts and minds that they wouldn’t be taken in by the evil that slinks in the background wanting to deceive.

© 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.

Rate Yourself…1 to 10…on Kindness

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

Kindness is a virtue that is characterized by good and charitable behavior with a pleasant disposition and concern for others. The act of kindness shows a loving attitude towards others. It is beneficial to both the one giving and the one receiving the kindness and results in contentment and relaxation. 

Rate yourself. How kind are you to others…in your home, your family, your circle of friends, your neighborhood, your church, and your community? What kind actions do you appreciate that others have shown towards you and your family? God expects, actually requires, us to love kindness. Are we doing that? 

Are you kind...or kinda like a flowering prickly pear?

I have always appreciated the sweet smiles of several people at the church that I attend—no matter what they always have a kind word of greeting and a pleasant attitude towards everyone that attends, but one lady in particular has become a special friend. We share encouraging scripture, pray frequently for each other’s families and meet a couple of times a year for tea or lunch. Our kindness to each other has bonded us as friends. When I noted that she came to church without her husband I invited her to the Sunday School class for women worshipping alone. She has become such an integral part of that class, encouraging others. Humbly, she reminds me at least once a year that I invited her to that group. I am grateful for her for the encouragement she has given me with my writing and the heartfelt prayers that she regularly lifts up for my grandchildren. The Lord has inspired her to lead a prayer ministry for our church that has been dynamic. Prayer is powerful. And prayer with kindness is truly significant. What is desirable in a man (or woman) is his kindness…. Proverbs 19:22. Kindness is one of the traits of Jesus that we most want to emulate. Train up your children in kindness.

Kindness begins with good manners, so start by discussing good manners. Saying “please,” “thank you,” “I’m sorry” and “you’re welcome” are the cornerstones to good manners. You must be a good example and hold your children accountable to proper manners. It is a wise thing to do.

Lord – Thank you for Your kindness and for being such a good example to us. Inspire us with ways that we can serve others with Your kindness.

© 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 Has Influenced You?

They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. Psalm 112:9

Who has influenced you? Have they passed on their wisdom, knowledge, understanding and common sense to you? Have you freely received and are freely passing it on to those around you? Wisdom, as well as understanding, knowledge and common sense are not things that you just want to keep for yourself.

Praise the LORD! How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying His commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted. Psalm 112:1-10.

I am grateful to my sixth grade Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Virginia Howe, a truly righteous lady, who introduced me to the real Jesus…not just a storybook character. In teaching about the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus became real to me. Give us this day our daily bread. Not just the bread on the table, but spiritual food as well. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His disciples and followers…

Pray, then, in this way:

'Our Father who is in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.'   

Matthew 6:9-13 NASB

Who is Jesus to you? Does He provide spiritual food, as well as bread, meat and potatoes on your table?

Who has influenced you to see Jesus as God…as creator and savior of the universe? Who are you influencing to know Jesus…really know Him and develop a relationship with Him?

Prayer ~ Jesus, just as You give us daily bread for our table, give us daily bread for our heart—our spiritual home. Help us to show and share Your love, knowledge and wisdom with others that their hearts would also be Your home.

© 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.

I Was Hungry

For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. Matthew 25:35

For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. - Matthew 25:42

Which way will you be able to answer? Are you feeding others…or not? Will you inherit the Kingdom?

But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand and the goats at His left.

Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' And He will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.

Matthew 25:31-46

What will you be doing when Jesus—The King of Kings—returns?  Will you be feeding those who are hungry or will you be feeding yourself as you sit in your big easy chair recliner and entertaining yourself as you watch yet another exciting sports competition or movie on your big screen television? We don’t know the hour or the day that He will return—otherwise we could plan ahead. This way we need to always be ready—to live each day as if today were the day of His return. We don’t need to be in church when He calls us Home to Heaven, but we do need to be found serving Him. Do you have any goals that guide you in your service to the Lord? What can you do today to meet those goals…to assist the Lord in reaching others for Him? To feed them?

Prayer ~ Lord, may I always be found making the most of my time as I wait for Your return. I want to be ready…with a word of encouragement or a hot meal for those who need it. Expand my awareness to see those in need that I can reach for You…and provide the energy and resources necessary for me to do that.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

I don’t want to go hungry or to be gluttonous myself. Like Paul I want to be content with what I have—even if it is just beans and rice. Soup is always good this time of the year and I can make soup out of just about anything. I recently met a lady who doesn’t make soup…and although she enjoys soup, she just didn’t want to try to make any. Here’s my standard go to for a soup meal.

Be creative. Would the kiddos eat some macaroni and cheese soup?

Soup Basics

Ingredients:

Onion – yellow or sweet preferred, green is also good for garnish

Garlic

Vegetables: carrots, celery, green, yellow or red peppers, potatoes, leeks, zucchini or other squash, fresh green peas, green beans, turnips, parsnips, beets or tomatoes. Use what you have on hand, or shop for them considering what you prefer.

Dried beans or peas: dried beans (red, white, pinto, black or lentils—red, orange, yellow or brown)

Meat: (cut-up stew meat, ground) chicken, beef, pork, lamb or fish (many varieties)

Stock – vegetable or meat broth or water or milk (do not boil milk, only heat until simmering)

Oil – olive or vegetable

Flour or cornstarch

Noodles or rice, cooked or cook with the soup

 (noodles for 3-10 minutes or rice for about 15-30 minutes, depending on variety)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Herbs and spices, to taste

Sour cream, grated cheese, green onions or fresh herbs to garnish

If using beans, soak them overnight or boil and let soak for at least an hour prior to combining with other ingredients.

Cut up onions, garlic and chop vegetables into the size proportion that you like: chunky, small or finely minced. I wouldn’t suggest combining beets and tomatoes or green beans, but whatever is to your liking. Warm a small amount of oil and sauté onions, garlic and chopped veggies until tender. Brown meat. You may dredge it in flour if desired to help brown the meat or to use as a thickening agent. Fish should be added near the end of the cooking time and cooked only for ten minutes or less depending on the size of the chunks of meat and the type.

Curried Soup

Bring your stock to a boil and add meat and vegetable mixtures together, along with a little salt and pepper, spices or herbs of choice and rice or noodles. My favorite herbs are basil and thyme and I add them to most of my soups. Oregano and parsley are also good choices with most meats. Rosemary is good with beef or lamb. Dill is a good accompanying herb with fish. Paprika adds color and vitamin C. Curry powder or turmeric adds a different blend of flavor and is used to fight inflammation.  The soup can be blended in a blender if you want a smooth creamy soup.

At this point the soup can simmer for as short a time at ten minutes or for several hours. Garnish with sour cream, green onions or fresh herbs, if desired, when served.

Do this all in the crock pot if you need a do ahead meal. Just serve with a salad and some whole grain crackers or those tasty little oyster crackers for real comfort food.

No turtle soup, please.

Soup is easy—and can be served alone or as a separate course in a large meal. Make some soon to feed a hungry group.

Would you serve it to Jesus Himself?

© 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

Christ Will Judge

And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life. You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God's law, and you boast about your special relationship with Him. You know what He wants; you know what is right because you have been taught His law. You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God's law gives you complete knowledge and truth. Well then, if you teach others, why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. Romans 2:16-23

Has the time come to repent?

Paul was talking to the church at Rome…specifically in these verses to the Jews. Is this applicable to Christians today? Verse 16 does say everyone. Below are a couple of other examples of Jesus being declared as “judge”.

Peter spoke to a Roman centurion and his family and friends at Caesarea.

And He (God) ordered us (Peter and the other disciples) to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. Acts 10:42.

Paul spoke to people at the Areopagus in Athens, telling them about an Unknown God.

God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now He commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to Him. For He has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man (Jesus) He has appointed, and He proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead. Acts 17:30-31.

Paul, writing to Timothy, encouraged him to be a good Christian—a soldier of Christ.

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. 2 Timothy 4:1-3.

In each of these passages, Jesus is declared to be the ultimate “judge” of people and their actions. All people. I hang onto the promise that Jesus is my advocate before the Father. My sins were forgiven, when Jesus shed His blood on the cross. No worries here. Jesus washed me along with my sins…my garments…white as snow. Jesus is pure and blameless—so that is how He also presents me before our Father.

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. - 1 John 2:1.

Can the Jews say that they are forgiven—that Jesus’ blood was shed for their sins? No. Not unless they have accepted Jesus as their Messiah. There is no partiality with God. Jews and Gentiles alike will be judged…unless their sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ. Where will you stand before Jesus’ judgment throne? Forgiven or wearing filthy garments of sin?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving my sins—for dying on the cross for me…as well as forgiving the sins of my family, friends, neighbors and actually for everyone around the world. May they feel Your love and grace in their lives…and live each day in anticipation of Your return. I look forward to standing before Your throne one day…and declared FORGIVEN. I praise You, for You are holy and blessed.

© 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

No Favoritism

For God does not show favoritism. When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God's written law. And the Jews, who do have God's law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. Even Gentiles, who do not have God's written law, show that they know His law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. Romans 2:11-15

Like I’ve said before…we know the difference between right and wrong. God sees our hearts—He knows the choices we make before we even decide. But we still have a choice. Right or Wrong. You choose. Since God doesn’t show favoritism it doesn’t matter if you are Jew or Gentile, black, white, brown, red or yellow…or even blue, male or female. He loves us all the same and everyone will be accountable for their actions.  There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28. Everyone will be accountable. Read Hebrews. In chapter four we find these convicting verses. For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before His eyes, and He is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13 .

In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. Colossians 3:11. Slave or free…does that matter?  Yes. Slavery is wrong—and slave trafficking is wrong. It is a sad commentary on life situations all over the world…now. Not 100 years ago…but NOW. What can we do about it? Be aware that it happens. Train your children and grandchildren of stranger dangers. Slave trafficking doesn’t just happen in foreign countries. It happens right here in the United States. Right here in Washington State. It is likely that it happens where you live, too.

What can we do? First and foremost…pray. God will hear the cries of His people. Then we can be alert to dangers around us…and our family, friends and neighbors.  Education and self-awareness may be a key within our communities.

Prayer ~ Lord, help all of us…men, women, Jew or Gentile…to see that You love us and we are always accountable to You—for our thoughts, words and actions. Keep our families, friends and neighbors safe from human trafficking for sexual or forced labor issues.

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

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

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

Is Jesus Your Teacher?

Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. Proverbs 9:9

Instruct…teach. Those who are teachable, learn. It takes an aptitude for learning. Whether the person is four or eighty-four, they have to want to learn, or not much is going to happen. You see it in school children who aren’t motivated—they just aren’t successful. When I’ve tried to learn some new skill, like crocheting, or even calculus, if it didn’t make sense or wasn’t something I wanted to do right then, I didn’t make much progress.

The idea that we want to learn applies spiritually, too. We can’t grow if we aren’t taught or don’t have an inner desire that drives us to want to acquire understanding. Somehow if we are put into a position to “teach”—whether it is to children or adults, as we study the lesson, we always learn more than those we teach.   

Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:11

Liberty's Art

I want to learn—I want to grow spiritually. We should be mentoring others…and we should be mentored. Jesus told us to go and make disciples… Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19.  Making disciples is like mentoring. We should disciple others…and we should be discipled by someone, too. We won’t grow just by osmosis, but we can learn and grow just by diligently studying God’s Word on our own, praying that the Holy Spirit give us insight into the scriptures. We will gain additional understanding if we come alongside others, share each other’s joys and sorrows—so learning through fellowship is important, too. Jesus said…

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

Jesus is always encouraging, uplifting and our intercessor. Imagine Him coming alongside of you—fitting into the yoke on your shoulders and pulling your load. Actually, He probably takes the whole load…or as much as you are willing to give Him. As the originator of knowledge and storehouse of understanding, He has so much to teach each of us. I stand, humbly, before Him--and alongside my Christian brothers and sisters--as a sponge soaking up His teachings. I want to learn and grow…to be more like Jesus every day. So who better to be my teacher…or yours?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to Your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor You. Psalm 86:11. May I honor you in all that I think, say and do.

© 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

Guidance to Wisely Love

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide. Psalm 119:98

I try to live by the Ten Commandments…and the other one Jesus invoked while He was here on earth. These were the Ten Commandments given to Moses for the Israelites to follow.

[1] You must not have any other god but me.

[2] You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected--even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
[3] You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
[4] Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
[5] Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
[6] You must not murder.
[7] You must not commit adultery.
[8] You must not steal.
[9] You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
[10] 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 20:3-17

One of the teachers of religious law was standing there listening to the debate. He realized that Jesus had answered well, so he asked, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these. Mark 12:28-31

Love God…love your neighbor. It all boils down to that. Over the years I’ve caught the idea that the first four Commandments deal with our relationship to God and the last six Commandments focus on our relationship to other people--our neighbors. These are just broad statements…but in Jesus' teachings in His Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters five through seven, Jesus gives practical application to some of the commandments. For example He addresses murder and anger. You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. Matthew 5:21-22.  He also addresses adultery. You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28. Jesus was good about helping people understand the “Law” at least those who were willing to listen—to those who wanted to understand and follow Him. He didn’t come to do away with the Law…the Ten Commandment. In His Sermon on the Mount He explained the importance of learning, keeping and teaching the Commandments.

Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:17-20 NASB

Gate at the Mount of the Beatitudes in Israel

Traditional location of the Sermon on the Mount

The scribes and Pharisees were all about making themselves look good—to appear righteous. But that was it…it was just for appearance not deep within their hearts. How is your heart? Mine is seeking a deeper relationship with God—but not in a legalistic way.

Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law. Galatians 2:16.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, my God, You are the one and only LORD. I love You with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength. As You taught,  I do love my neighbor as myself—though I will admit that I struggle with that—I need Your help, not so much in determining who my neighbor is, but in what I should do to express Your love to them? First, I must develop a relationship with others—so that I can care about them…and live in such a way that shows Your love to them. Help me to be bold enough to even just speak to them…and help me to find creative ways to serve others. Thank You for Your wisdom, love and guidance in my life…and in the lives of those around me…my neighbors.

© 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

Making Wise Choices

The LORD gave this message to Micah of Moresheth during the years when Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah. The visions he saw concerned both Samaria and Jerusalem….Micah 1:1

This is what the LORD says: You false prophets are leading my people astray! You promise peace for those who give you food, but you declare war on those who refuse to feed you. Now the night will close around you, cutting off all your visions. Darkness will cover you, putting an end to your predictions. The sun will set for you prophets, and your day will come to an end. Then you seers will be put to shame, and you fortune-tellers will be disgraced. And you will cover your faces because there is no answer from God. But as for me, I am filled with power—with the Spirit of the LORD. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel's sin and rebellion. Micah 3:5-8 NLT

Micah was anointed by the Holy Spirit to prophesy to the people of Israel concerning their coming judgment. This passage concerns the judgment of the false prophets— disgrace to those who led God’s people astray. Micah recognized that the power of the Holy Spirit was guiding him to show Israel her sin and rebellion. Those people of God had once again turned their backs on the God of the Universe—the Creator. But God is good, forgiving and has a great plan for the future. Through the prophet Micah, God revealed that His Son would be born in Bethlehem…and that in the coming Kingdom Israel will be protected by their Shepherd—the Lord.

One of the most famous scripture passages in the Bible is found in Micah … Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8 HCSB. God blessed Micah with His words…and those are a blessing and guide to us. Know just what God expects of you:

…to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

How do we do those things? Choices. We have to choose to graciously do what God wants us to do—the right things, in loving and merciful ways. Face it…we know the right things to do…we just need to make the right choices.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—give us wisdom as we make choices minute by minute throughout this day…that we would please You. That we would do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with You.

(Adapted from March 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.

Silence is Golden

If only you could be silent! That's the wisest thing you could do. Job 13:5

Job’s friends just talked too much. Do you ever feel like your family or friends just talk too much? Do they carry on and on about the same old things—or relive every part of every day, minute by minute. Job’s friends' talking went beyond just chattering. He was condemning his friends for their unkindness—downright lying—and deceiving him. They claimed to be able to heal him—but they couldn’t. He felt that they were dishonoring God and he just wanted them to be quiet. Quiet. Peaceful quiet. So often we seek that when there has been constant noise, bickering, or chattering. Silence is golden.

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Proverbs 17:28

So true. If the fool can just keep from speaking, no one knows they aren’t smart…intelligent. Once that happened to me. A couple of fellow workers were discussing a problem that could be solved using calculus. I didn’t say anything. Later one of the guys asked me, “Did you understand that?” I admitted that I knew it was a calculus problem to be solved…but I needed to look in a textbook to set it up. Ugh. I may have seemed smart—but I wasn’t. At least I didn’t open my mouth and stick my foot in it—proving that I wasn’t knowledgeable.

When it comes to spiritual things…are you smart? Am I? At least we have great electronic resources these days that can help us look up scriptures quickly—in a multitude of translations to give us more insight. We can be amazingly silent while we’re looking up those scripture references. Unlike Job’s friends, we can quietly honor God and our friends—as we apply God’s word and wisdom to our lives.

Prayer ~ Lord, help us to speak the truth in love…and to be wisely silent—listening to Your word and following 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

Give Me Discernment

O LORD, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Psalm 119:169

A wise discerning mind. That is the kind of mind I want. What does it mean to discern? To distinguish or to judge—but it goes beyond that to a depth of understanding, an awareness of what is happening around me and those who are with me.

So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. Job 34:4.

He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 1 Corinthians 12:10.

Are you spiritual discerning? Do you allow God to guide you in the choices you make, day by day…moment by moment? I think that the little choices we make are just as critical as the big life changing choices, especially as we grow older and don’t have so many “big” choices to make. We’ve already chosen our career…and as a retired person that is basically over. But there are continually choices to make…what to do today? How can I serve You, Lord? Have you put on your spiritual armor today? That is an important choice to make every day…and then to discern when the spiritual battle is raging around you and others. Pray and put on the armor that our Lord has provided. 

Prayer ~ Lord, I humbly put on all of the armor that You provide so that I will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For I am 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. Therefore, I put on every piece of Your armor so I will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle I will still be standing firm. I stand my ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of Your righteousness. For shoes, I put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that I will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, I hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. I put on salvation as my helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. I will stay alert and be persistent in my prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:11-18. Thank you, Jesus, for your love, grace, mercy and discernment in my life…and in the lives of my family, friends and neighbor, too.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is the best time of the year for fresh beets. One of our favorite ways to serve beets is pickled. If you are making pickled beets, why not have some pickled eggs, too? The beet juice is such a delightful dye.

Pickled Beets (adapted from Betty Crocker’s Cookbook, 1972)

2 lb fresh beets (about 8 medium sized), or 2 cans -1 pound each

1½ cups sugar

¾ cups apple cider vinegar

2 3-inch cinnamon sticks

1 tbsp whole cloves, optional

1 tsp allspice, optional

Scrub the fresh beets well. Cook beets in several cups of water. Add 1 tbsp vinegar to preserve color and about 1 tsp salt. Cover and heat to boil, cook 30-45 minutes or until tender. Drain, reserving the liquid. Run cold water over beets. Cut off the ends and slip off the skins. You may want to wear disposable gloves to keep your hands from being stained. Slice to desired size or shape. If they are small beets, you can leave them whole.

Add sugar, vinegar and spices to the reserved beet liquid (using the beet liquid from canned beets). Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Pour over beets; cool. Cover and refrigerate at least 8 hours.

Remove beets with a slotted spoon to serve.

Pickled Eggs

Hard boil several eggs. Peel and add to pickled beet juice.

Wait at least twenty-four hours before serving.

© 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.

Wagon of Wisdom or Regret?

What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. Isaiah 5:21

Isaiah 5 lists sorrows. Check out these…

What sorrow for those who drag their sins behind them with ropes made of lies, who drag wickedness behind them like a cart! They even mock God and say, "Hurry up and do something! We want to see what you can do. Let the Holy One of Israel carry out his plan, for we want to know what it is."

What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.  Isaiah 5:18-20

What sorrow indeed. It is a blessing to have God’s wisdom—to have spiritual discernment. Is it a curse to think you are wise—to be wise in your own eyes? Funny thing is when a person is “wise in their own eyes” they often can’t see beyond the end of their nose…and they don’t even realize that others don’t appreciate or respect their wisdom. Am I ever like that? Are you? Only really close friends or maybe your folks would ever tell you if you are being wise in your own eyes.

Do you hear yourself asking or telling God to "Hurry up and do something!”? Thinking that we can control what God does is useless. He is the one with the power to change things. We can’t change the past. It reminds me of a quote I heard recently.

“The past is a dead issue, and we can’t gain any momentum moving toward tomorrow if we are dragging the past behind us.” Jack Hayford.

Our choices can change our future. Let go of the past. Choose wisely—allowing God to guide us. Preaching to myself here as I drag a wagon behind me—filled with rocks of regret, disappointment, and “what ifs.” Are you dragging a wagon behind you? It is time to move on. Let go of the sorrows and self-imposed wisdom that doesn’t get you anywhere.

Dark is dark...and light is light. Jesus declared that He is the Light of the world. John 8:12.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, open my eyes that I can see me as You see me. I am sorry that I have thought I was pretty cleaver recently. Give me grace and insight to live walking along side of You—following Your light, wisdom and understanding as I move toward tomorrow.

© 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 Prudent

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 27:12

My family in Charleston, South Carolina just went through Hurricane Matthew. They were very “prudent” and took great precautions for their home and helping their neighbors secure their homes before the storm. They wisely boarded up their windows, gathered supplies, fuel and water. They even cleaned out a closet under their stairs and put a twin bed in there for their children to sleep in. Then at the height of the storm…they slept soundly…or at least some of them did. They got lots of rain and strong winds—but no harm came to them or their property—except for one board in their fence. What a storm! They got more rain in a few hours than we have in Eastern Washington State in several years! God certainly watched out for them—they were safe and secure.

South Carolina Beach - calm before the storm

Does a “prudent” or sensible person see spiritual danger before it arrives and cautiously prepare for it? What could they do? Pray and ask others to pray. Fast—to go without food for a time? God’s word tells to fast. There are examples of God directing His people to fast in the Old Testament and Jesus’ advice in the book of Matthew.

That is why the LORD says, "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” Joel 2:12 NLT

And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, "Our God's hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him." So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer. Ezra 8:21-23 NLT

No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the LORD will protect you from behind. Isaiah 58:6-8 NLT

And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. Matthew 6:16 NLT

What do these verses tell us about fasting? That God wants us to turn our hearts towards Him. He will care for us if…yes IF, we ask Him, trust Him and are obedient to Him. Fasting for spiritual guidance is beyond giving up food. We are expected by God to turn our hearts—the very home of our spirit—to Him. Giving up food is just a way of focusing on God…on the good that He intends for our lives. Devoting our attention to Him in prayer, seeking His guidance in our lives.

So as a prudent or sensible person spiritually what would you do to prepare for a spiritual storm? Fast and pray? And put on your spiritual armor.

Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 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. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. - Ephesians 6:11-18.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus…Please surround me with Your love and grace, and give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. Ephesians 6:19.

© 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

Sukkot Celebration

"Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. Begin celebrating the Festival of Shelters on the fifteenth day of the appointed month—five days after the Day of Atonement. This festival to the LORD will last for seven days. On the first day of the festival you must proclaim an official day for holy assembly, when you do no ordinary work. For seven days you must present special gifts to the LORD. The eighth day is another holy day on which you present your special gifts to the LORD. This will be a solemn occasion, and no ordinary work may be done that day. (These are the LORD's appointed festivals. Celebrate them each year as official days for holy assembly by presenting special gifts to the LORD—burnt offerings, grain offerings, sacrifices, and liquid offerings—each on its proper day. These festivals must be observed in addition to the LORD's regular Sabbath days, and the offerings are in addition to your personal gifts, the offerings you give to fulfill your vows, and the voluntary offerings you present to the LORD.) Remember that this seven-day festival to the LORD--the Festival of Shelters—begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees—palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God for seven days. You must observe this festival to the LORD for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." So Moses gave the Israelites these instructions regarding the annual festivals of the LORD. Leviticus 23:34-44

Yesterday began Sukkot—The Feast of Tabernacles. This festival is from the 15 to the 22 of Tishri or October 17^th through October 24^ththis year. The “shelter” or sukkah has been built by each family.  It is here in the above passage of Leviticus that the tradition and Festival of the Booths is initiated. Originally it was a Pilgrimage Festival which required the Israelites to travel to the Temple—just as with Passover and Pentecost. Jews today still celebrate this festival. It is a week of rejoicing—a harvest festival to commemorate the successful harvest and to remember the Israelites wandering and living in temporary shelters in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. There is a tradition of using local branches or things like cornstalks for part of their sukkah providing an agricultural element to the shelter. It is important that the structure not be permanent, but that it be sturdy enough for the family to enter and enjoy spending some time there eating, studying and visiting. Sometimes families even sleep out in their shelters and enjoy looking up through the roof at the stars. Using the sukkah for the first night of the Festival of Tabernacles for the family meal is an important element of the tradition. It is a meal often shared with extended family and friends and is a time of rejoicing and hospitality. At this first dinner of the festival they recite a traditional blessing…

Praised are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the universe, who has sanctified us through His commandments, commanding us to live in the sukkah. (From The Jewish Holidays by Michael Strassfeld.)

Additionally, branches from four species of “goodly” trees: the palm, myrtle, willow and citron or lemon used during the week of celebration are lifted up and shaken during the blessing, after reading specific scripture passages.

Eat, drink. It’s all part of the “banquet.” Jesus spoke the words in the scripture passage, John 7:37-38, on the last day of the great Feast of Tabernacles. During that festival water was an important part of the daily ceremony, except on the last day. It was on that day that Jesus offered Himself as the Living Water. “Come to me and you will never thirst again.” Each of the first seven days during the festival it was the tradition during the second Temple Period for the priests to carry water from the Pool of Siloam to the silver basin by the altar of burnt offerings in the Temple. People would line the street to the gate of the Temple and sing the Hallel, Psalms 113-118 and wave palm or willow tree branches. At night huge menorahs were lit that could be seen from all over Jerusalem. At daybreak the priests would face the sun, and then turn and face the Temple, proclaiming the Lord as Light and declaring Him as the one true God. The Lord was the light and living water. Jesus, the Light of the World (John 9:5), was right there, but they were not illuminated by Him. Are we now?

Few Christians seem to celebrate or even recognize this festival. Prophetically it is seen as when Christ has His Millennium Reign. The time for that is known only by the Father. So we can just celebrate along with the Jewish people—a time of thanksgiving and remembrance for what the Lord has done for us. This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24. This week of the Feast of Tabernacles is a week that the Lord has declared for rejoicing. Are you feeling His love, provision and protection?

Prayer ~ Lord, blessed be Your name—from the rising of the sun to its setting, Your name is to be praised! Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior—the light of the world and the source of living water. I rejoice in Your love and care.

(Adapted from October 2012 and September 2015 Banquet With The King blogs)

© 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.

Shrewd or Wise?

Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. ... Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God's lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! ...Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:1, 5-8, 16

Shrewd is another word for wise. I don’t often think of snakes as “wise,” although maybe I would think of them as being cunning or crafty.

Tasty snakes and eel.

Those snakes who come out to warm themselves on rocks are pretty smart. God made reptiles that way since they are cold-blooded animals and don’t have a mechanism for warming up their body like us warm-blooded animals. Now that days are becoming bone-chilling cool, I’d like to have a warm rock to sit on to warm up. I like sitting by the fire and enjoying a good book when it is cold and windy outside—but alas, I must sometimes leave my cozy home for food, exercise, friends and fellowship.

Jesus gave His disciples power and then instructions. Go to the Jewish people where you will be like sheep among wolves. He had already warned them about false prophets….Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. Matthew 7:15. Not too comforting. Watch out for those folks with shrewd, cunning smiles bordered with sharp toothed mouths…opening for the kill. Their sharp words come from unbelieving hearts. Watch out. Think wisely…like a shrewd snake…and be harmless like a dove. Give freely—you’ve been given a lot. Help others.

Prayer ~ Jesus, thanks for the warning that there are wolves out there. Give us grace to be shrewd…to be wise…and to witness and help those you send us to.

© 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.