Come Lord Jesus

I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:18-21 (NASB)

Who testifies to this prophecy? The Apostle John wrote this book...with inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So he is the one testifying. Can you imaging what he experienced seeing the visions of the end times?
     - And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near." Revelation 22:10 (NASB)

The time is near. I know several people who are convinced that not only are we in the end times--but that the end is imminent.That's right...about to happen.Watch for signs in the sky. Red sky in the night, sailor's delight...red sky in the morning, sailor take warning. Jesus gave His disciples clues for the end times. Wars and rumors of wars...famines and earthquakes. See Mark 13.

Are you looking for signs of the end times?


Prayer – Lord God, may we distinctly see the blessings that You are giving us as we wait for Jesus return. Help us not to just have hindsight…looking back and saying “Oh, yes. Now I see that God blessed me last year…or ten years ago.” Let us see You in action in our lives every day, moment by moment. Our hope is not just in going to Heaven to be with You someday…but in the reality that You are with us ALWAYS—even now today.


Bible Reading: December - Revelation 19-22
It is Finished! I have completed reading the ENTIRE Bible! Hallelujah! Did you read it through in 2017? Will you try to read it through in 2018?

Happy New Year!

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise notedBiblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise notedBiblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Exalt Jesus the Messiah and King

Therefore having been exalted  to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.  Acts 2:33 (NASB)

Exalted it the Heavens

Exalted. Placed at a high level. It must have been exalting--blissful joy--for Jesus to have been taken back up into heaven. That is another wonderful promise fulfilled in Jesus. Exalted and sitting at the right hand--the favored position--of our Heavenly Father by the promise and power of the Holy Spirit.
     - The LORD reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He is enthroned above the cherubim. Let the earth quake. Yahweh is great in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awe-inspiring name. He is holy. The mighty King loves justice. You have established fairness; You have administered justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the LORD our God; bow in worship at His footstool. He is holy. Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel also was among those calling on His name. They called to Yahweh and He answered them. He spoke to them in a pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them. LORD our God, You answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, an avenger of their sinful actions. Exalt the LORD our God; bow in worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy. Psalm 99:1-9 (HCSB)
Will you exalt our holy King Jesus and bow before Him on His throne?


Prayer – Lord God, may we distinctly see the blessings that You are giving us as we worship and exalt Jesus. Help us not to just have hindsight…looking back and saying “Oh, yes. Now I see that God blessed me last year…or ten years ago.” Let us see You in action in our lives every day, moment by moment. Our hope is not just in going to Heaven to be with You someday…but in the reality that You are with us ALWAYS—even now today.


Bible Reading: December 30 - Revelation 12-18
© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise notedBiblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise notedBiblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Pure Promises Revisited

The LORD's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. Psalm 12:6  

When silver is mined it is combined with other metals like copper and gold. It is not in a pure state so silver has to go through a process to become pure. God treats His chosen ones in much the same way. We have to be pure to one day stand before the throne of God. Only the holy can enter into His presence. 

Listen to me, O family of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel and born into the family of Judah. Listen, you who take oaths in the name of the LORD and call on the God of Israel. You don't keep your promises, even though you call yourself the holy city and talk about depending on the God of Israel, whose name is the LORD of Heaven's Armies. Long ago I told you what was going to happen. Then suddenly I took action, and all my predictions came true. For I know how stubborn and obstinate you are. Your necks are as unbending as iron. Your heads are as hard as bronze. That is why I told you what would happen; I told you beforehand what I was going to do. Then you could never say, 'My idols did it. My wooden image and metal god commanded it to happen!' You have heard my predictions and seen them fulfilled, but you refuse to admit it. Now I will tell you new things, secrets you have not yet heard. They are brand new, not things from the past. So you cannot say, 'We knew that all the time!' Yes, I will tell you of things that are entirely new, things you never heard of before. For I know so well what traitors you are. You have been rebels from birth. Yet for my own sake and for the honor of my name, I will hold back my anger and not wipe you out. I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering. I will rescue you for my sake—yes, for my own sake! I will not let my reputation be tarnished, and I will not share my glory with idols! Listen to me, O family of Jacob, Israel my chosen one! I alone am God, the First and the Last. Isaiah 48:1-12.

Zechariah wrote about the end times and the fate of the Israelites. Some of them will be refined—just like silver.

Two-thirds of the people in the land will be cut off and die," says the LORD. "But one-third will be left in the land. I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" Zechariah 13:8-9.

We must be pure…

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3.

As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you. “Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. ... We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, 6. 

You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own. Leviticus 20:26. 

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:3-5.

Even as children of God…we must be holy and pure. It’s all about our choices. Choices we make before our holy and pure God. The God whose promises are pure. Look for His promises in His Word.  

Prayer ~ Lord God, as we end this year and look forward to a new year, show us Your promises and help us to live pure and holy lives that are acceptable to You.

Bible Reading:December 29 - Revelation 6 -11 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

As usual every Friday is Feast Day—Feasting at the King’s Table. We can’t live on just spiritual food …nor can we live on bread alone. We’ve got to have some meat, veggies and fruit. How those are seasoned makes a big difference. Herbs and Spices are the keys to tasty foods. Last January I shared an old chart that I’ve tucked in my spice cupboard for years that shows which herbs to use with particular foods. Sharing again to end this year. It’s been very helpful to me. Enjoy!

Herb Chart

	Basil	Dill	Marjoram	Oregano	Rosemary	Sage	Thyme
Appetizers & Soup	Seafood cocktail Dips Bean, pea, tomato soups Clam chowder Beef stew	Avocado Salad Dips Bean, borsch. Split pea  & tomato soups Lamb stew	Avocados Mushrooms Pats Clam chowder Onion, chicken, potato soups	Vegetable Juice Beef, been, game, tomato soups Bouillon Stews	Fruit cups Chicken, pea, spinach soups	Cheese dips Pates Chowders Consommé Chicken & bland cream soups	Seafood or vegetable juice cocktails Gumbo Fish chowder Borsch
Meats & Main Dishes	Beef Pork Lamb Pizza Spaghetti	Beef  Lamb chops and steaks Rice dishes	Hamburgers Beef, pork,  lamb, veal	Swiss steak Hamburgers Veal, liver, pizza spaghetti	Beef, game, lamb, pork, veal Cheese sauces	Cold roast beef Pork, lamb, veal Cheese fondue	Roast Variety meats
Eggs  & Poultry	Fried chicken Omelets Soufflés	Chicken Deviled eggs	Chicken Turkey Scrambled Eggs Omelets Soufflés	Chicken Pheasant Boiled eggs Egg sandwiches	All poultry Deviled eggs Scrambled eggs Omelets	Chicken Turkey Duckling Poultry stuffing Omelets	Roast duckling Poultry stuffing Scrambled eggs Omelets Soufflés
Seafood	Fish fillets Tuna Shellfish	Seafood cocktail Salmon Shellfish	Salmon loaf Shellfish	Broiled seafood Shellfish	Fish stuffing Creamed seafood Salmon	Fish filets	Tuna
Salads  Dressings & Sauces	Seafood Cucumber Tomato French, Italian & Russian Dressing	Seafood Cottage cheese Potato French and sour cream dressings Gravy	Seafood Chicken Egg Greens French dressing Gravy	Seafood Egg Vegetable Guacamole dip Butter sauce Cheese Spread	Spinach Fruit	Chicken French dressing	Chicken Cottage cheese Greens Tomato Tomato aspic
Vegetables	Asparagus Green beans Squash Tomatoes	Cabbage Carrots Cauliflower Peas Potatoes Sauerkraut	Celery Eggplant Greens Potatoes Zucchini	Broccoli Cabbage Mushrooms Onions Tomatoes	Lentils Mushrooms Peas Potatoes Spinach	Brussel sprouts Lima beans Squash Tomatoes	Artichokes Carrots Green beans Mushrooms Peas Potatoes
Breads		Onion rolls Dill bread Cottage cheese bread		Herb bread	Herb bread	Biscuits Cornbread	Biscuits Cornbread Herb bread
Desserts	Fruit Compotes	Green Apple Pie	Cooked Fruit Fruit Cups				Custard

 © 2017 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

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Promises for 2017

God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:19

Has God ever made a promise and not kept it? During 2017 we've looked at promises throughout the Bible. What is your favorite promise from the Lord? Here are a few of the promises.
     - Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him."   Genesis 2:18
     - Then he said to the woman, "I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you. Genesis 3:16
    And the LORD was pleased with the aroma of the sacrifice and said to himself, "I will never again curse the ground because of the human race, even though everything they think or imagine is bent toward evil from childhood. I will never again destroy all living things. Genesis 8:21

    - I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. Genesis 12:2
     - Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "I will give this land to your descendants. And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the LORD, who had appeared to him. Genesis 12:7
    - This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! Genesis 17:4
    - No, don't be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children." So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them. Genesis 50:21
    - Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say." Exodus 4:12                      - I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the LORD! Exodus 6:8
     - Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi  would always be my priests. But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me. 1 Samuel 2:30
     - I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 1 Kings 3:12
   - But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. 1 Chronicles 22:9
     - The LORD replies, "I have seen violence done to the helpless, and I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do." Psalm 12:5
     - "On that day of judgment," says the LORD, "I will punish the leaders and princes of Judah and all those following pagan customs." Zephaniah 1:8
     - And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. John 14:16
     - You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. John 16:22
     - In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 (NASB)

    - I will not abandon you as orphans--I will come to you. John 14:18

    - Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. John 14:21
     - 'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17
    - For God said to Moses, "I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose" Romans 9:15
    - For God said to Moses, "I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose" Romans 9:15
   - Concerning the Gentiles, God says in the prophecy of Hosea, "Those who were not my people, I will now call my people. And I will love those whom I did not love before." Romans 9:25
     - For the Scriptures say, "'As surely as I live,' says the LORD, 'every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God. Romans 14:11

The best is yet to come...God promises a heavenly home.

God promises are pure. Look for His promises in His Word.  E-mail me to let me know which  promise God has given to you.

Prayer ~ Lord God, show us Your promises and help us to live pure and holy lives that are acceptable to You.

 © 2017 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

www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Love - a Command

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward..  2 John 1:5-8

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

Is your love stored up in a silo...or are you giving it away freely?

God's love for the world is unfathomable. Would you give up your first born child as an act of love to provide salvation for mankind...or for anyone--your favorite friend or even for your worst enemy. Giving up what you love most shows love--deep, abiding, unfathomable love. We should love each other...just like God said.
   - Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love--not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 1 John 4:7-11

What is love? When I asked my sister, "How do you know if you love someone?' She told me, "You care more about them than about yourself." Good answer. Love others--care more about them than about yourself. Put others first. That is another teaching from Jesus. Do you love your neighbor as yourself? 

Prayer ~ Lord. I love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.You are awesome. Help me to love others for You...to love those around me...my neighbors as You would love them. Love is the key to life.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 and 3 John

© 2017 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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No Sin - Begin Work of Christmas

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 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. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:5-10

Sin...knowing what to do and NOT doing it. Do we need to face sin right after Christmas? Some of Jesus' first words were "Repent" after He spent time fasting in the desert--facing temptation.
     - From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Matthew 4:17
Repent--turn from sin. That is important every day of the year. After repenting, it is a good time to begin serving God with the work of Christmas.
Now the Work of Christmas Begins 

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flocks,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among the people,

To make music in the heart.

Merry Christmas - Worship the Lord

Daily Lectionary Readings - Monday December 25

Psalm 96
Isaiah 9:2-7
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14  (15-20)

Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the LORD made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary. O nations of the world, recognize the LORD; recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong. Give to the LORD the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts. Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. Tell all the nations, "The LORD reigns!" The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the LORD, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth. Psalm 96:1-13

Glory to God in the Highest

Daily Advent Lectionery Readings - Sunday, December 24th 

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:46b-55 
Romans 16:25-27

Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. But now as the prophets foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen. Romans 16:25-27

Glory to God in the Highest. That is what the angels sang at Jesus' birth...and now the Gentiles can declare glory to God, too. No secret now. Nothing is hidden. Shout Glory...Glory...Glory. Jesus is the Son of God and He came to provide salvation for all mankind. That is the Good News. Salvation should be cause for declaring GLORY!
We are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ--for about the 2017th time. Glory--Glory--Glory. Glory to God the Father. Glory to God the Son. Glory to God the Holy Spirit. Enjoy your celebration!

Prayer ~  Thank You God for Your great plan--Jesus as the sacrificial lamb--for our salvation. Glory--Glory--Glory. I rejoice that You have revealed Your plan to the Gentiles. 
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Timothy
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Make two lunches and give one away.

© 2017 Text and photos 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.ccm

He s the Messiah

Daily Advent Lectionary Readings - Saturday December 23

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Judges 13:2-24
John 7:40-52

On the last day, the climax of the festival (Feast of Tabernacles), Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" (When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, "Surely this man is the Prophet we've been expecting." Others said, "He is the Messiah." Still others said, "But he can't be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born." So the crowd was divided about him. Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him. When the Temple guards returned without having arrested Jesus, the leading priests and Pharisees demanded, "Why didn't you bring him in?" "We have never heard anyone speak like this!" the guards responded. "Have you been led astray, too?" the Pharisees mocked. "Is there a single one of us rulers or Pharisees who believes in him? This foolish crowd follows him, but they are ignorant of the law. God's curse is on them!" Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up.  "Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?" he asked. They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself--no prophet ever comes from Galilee!" John 7:37-52

Search the Scriptures and see for yourself--no prophet ever comes from Galilee! But....Jesus is the Messiah. 
Research. That is what those people in Jrusalem needed to do. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Why didn't they ask Him where He was born? Isn't that one of the first questions you ask someone when you first meet them. Where are you from? How long have you lived here? Jesus would have answered that He was born in Bethlehem and after living in Egypt for a while He grew up in Nazareth. But like Nathanael said before met Jesus..."Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46) Since Jesus ministry was centered in Galilee, people naturally assumed He was from that region. As the there was no prophesies about the Messiah coming from Galilee, few people believed He was one who had come to be their Savior--their Messiah. Would you have believed in Him? Do you believe now...or do you need to do more research? Tomorrow we begin the celebration of His birth. We are blessed to have the freedom to worship Jesus in spirit and in truth. Take advantage of that opportunity--worship and adore Him--as your Messiah.

Prayer ~ Lord. You are my Messiah...my Lord...my Savior. I praise You and look forward to celebrating Your birth--as the shepherds and wise men did. Holy. Holy. Holy--are You, Lord God Almighty. Open the eyes of anyone reading this--and reveal Yourself as their Messiah.

Daily Bible Reading: Hebrews 11-13
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Give care packs to the homeless.

© 2017 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Do You Believe in Guardian Angels?

Daily Advent Lectionary Readings - Friday December 22

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
2 Samuel 6:12-19
Hebrews 1:5-14

For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father. God also said, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son." And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, "Let all of God's angels worship him." Regarding the angels, he says, "He sends his angels like the winds, his servants like flames of fire." But to the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else." He also says to the Son, "In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will live forever." And God never said to any of the angels, "Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet." Therefore, angels are only servants--spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.  Hebrews 1:5-14

Do you believe in guardian angels? That's a question you've probably previously heard. What do you think? Angels are known as messengers. In this passage in Hebrews the author tells us that angels are servants. God's servants. Servants to minister to Jesus and to those who believe in Him and have been forgiven of their sins--those who will have eternal life. With angels as servants we can be assured that they are guarding us. 
As Advent draws to a close soon it is good to once again ponder the fact that God declared Jesus to be HIS Son--and that the angels worship Him. In Peter's book we read that Jesus is the guardian of our souls. Above angels--Jesus is our ultimate guardian.
   - Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25
It is reassuring to know that angels were there to declare Jesus birth and His resurrection.

     - Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. Luke 2:9-10
  - Then the angel spoke to the women. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. Matthew 28:5-6

Old Olive Trees
Garden of Gethsemane - Israel

On the night He was betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus told Peter about the angels that were available to Him upon request from His Father.
     - Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? Matthew 26:53
Thousands of angels. Myriads of angels were created. That is a countless number. Like Jesus said... They are to protect.
     - For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.  Psalm 91:11
Here are a couple of more verses that tell us about angels who defend and protect.
     - For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Psalm 34:7
     - Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. Matthew 18:10  
Angels are messengers and guardians. Like Jesus we can ask our Heavenly Father for them when we need  them. Believe...and be protected.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Thank you for the protecting angels that You have promised to provide for those who believe. You are awesome--King of King, Lord of Lords. May You be glorified--above angels. 

Daily Bible Reading: Hebrews 7-10
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Make a special treat associated with your heritage, like latke, stollen, strudel or gingerbread,and share it with friends and family. 


Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Need a last minute Christmas gift or treat? Here's a simple, yummy and easy fudge recipe.
Simple Fudge
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 12 ounce bag chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 sp salt
Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.
Melt ingredients over low heat. Pour into pan. Let cool. Removefrom paN. Cutandenjoy!
For variaion add:
5-6 drops  peppermint oil and top with broken peppermint chips.
Double batch, using peanut butter chips for one batch. Then use chocoate chips for another batch and layer the two in the pan. Swirl.  Cool. Cut serve.

© 2017 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scriptureo quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise note d.

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

Above the Angels

Daily Advent Lectionary Readings - Thursday December 21

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
2 Samuel 6:1-11
Hebrews 1:1-4

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they. Hebrews 1:1-4 (NASB)

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is above the angels--so don't let anyone tell you that Jesus is an angel. He's not. He has always been God--and will always be God. He has said...

Banish the Wicked

Daily Advent Lectionary Readings - Wednesday December 20 

Psalm 125
Malachi 3:16-4:6
Mark 9:9-13

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever. The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD. Take them away with those who do evil. May Israel have peace! Psalm 125:1-5

Beautiful Mushroom - Deadly Poisonous
Are wicked rulers like this mushroom?

The wicked will not rule the land of the godly. Who is more Godly than the land of Israel--the land of God's chosen people? Wicked rulers are found throughout history's and around the world--we cannot escape from their influence and power. Look at the terror that the evil president in North Korea is creating in hearts of people now. Pity those people in North Korea who have succumbed to his brutal actions. What lies ahead for his nation...for the whole world? Are there other rulers who watching his actions are tempted to wield their evil power also? What is this world coming to? We can only pray as the Psalmist...But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD. Take them away with those who do evil. We just want peace for Israel and and everyone worldwide--but even peace comes with a price. What are we willing to do for peace? Can we merely turn our hearts to the Lord and be blessed with peace? That will surely give us peace...spiritual peace in our own hearts. That is a good place to begin...especially during this Advent seasonal we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ--and anticipate His return. Peace be unto you...and to your family, friends, neighbors and work associates. Pray for those in Jerusalem. Pray for peace.

Prayer ~ Lord, Protect those in Israel--may all come to know You, Jesus, as their Messiah...and trust You in all that You do. Give them Your peace. Give wisdom to the rulers of godly lands and do good to those who turn to You.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Peter
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Let someone in front of you in traffic.

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Times of Refreshment Wil Come

Daily Advent Lectionary Readings - Tuesday December 19 

Psalm 125
2 Kings 2:9-22
Acts 3:17-4:4

Model of the Temple and Old Jerusalem

Trust in the Lord

Daily Advent Lectionary Readings - Monday December 18 

Psalm 125
1 Kings 18:1-18
Ephesians 6:10-17

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever. The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD. Take them away with those who do evil. May Israel have peace! Psalm 125:1-5

Jerusalem sits on a hill in the mountains. Actually, many hills, I think, since I have walked up and down a few of them when I was on a pilgrimage there. It is comforting to know that...Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever. Forever is a long time--we can't fathom eternity. At least I can't. It is too much to get my head around --time without end. What a great promise God has given us--those who trust Him will be secure--forever. Security...no fear. Advent is a time of preparation. During this time we can count on God's promise of no fear for those who trust in the Lord. Trust.
     - All you who fear the LORD, trust the LORD! He is your helper and your shield. The LORD remembers us and will bless us. He will bless the people of Israel ....Psalm 115:11-12
     - 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. Proverbs 3:7
Do you trust the Lord...for His love and security...forever? Pray for those in Jerusalem. Pray for peace.

Prayer ~ Lord. I trust and love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.You are awesome. This Advent season is preparation for forever with You. Protect those in Israel--may they come to know You, Jesus, as their Messiah...and trust You in all that You do. Give them Your peace.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Bake cookies and take them to a local nursing home or homeless mission.

© 2017 Text and photos 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.