An Invitation to Lunch

Now when He had spoken, a Pharisee asked Him to have lunch (aristaō) with him; and He went in, and reclined at the table. When the Pharisee saw it, he was surprised that He had not first ceremonially washed before the meal (ariston). But the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness. You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you." Luke 11:37-41 NASB

Lunch or supper. It doesn’t really matter which meal—or what time of day this Pharisee invited Jesus to his home to eat a meal. In this translation, New American Standard, the meal is translated as lunch. In our culture if you want to spend more time, uninterrupted by having to return to work or to other tasks of the day, it is best to invite guests to supper, the evening meal so that you can visit longer. Sharing a meal is a hospitable and friendship building experience. Here the Pharisee had asked Jesus to come for lunch or in other translations, dinner. So maybe it was an evening meal. This Pharisee, like others, just wanted to find something wrong with Jesus. He was concerned with Jesus not washing up before the meal, as was the Jewish ceremonial custom. It was a traditional practice that was originally intended for priests in the Temple in case they had touched anything unclean, but was commanded by the Pharisees for all Jews. Jews today still follow a washing ritual that you may observe in most hotel restaurants on Sabbath.

To avoid health issues—to keep germs away, today we wash our hands before preparing, serving or eating meals. But most people now don’t get germaphobic about washing—everyone just washes up before we eat. Jesus was concerned about the heart. The cleanliness of the hands isn’t as important as the cleanliness of the heart. What good are clean hands if the filthy heart leads a person to ruin…to hell? Jesus even insinuated that the Pharisees were foolish in their practice and admonished them to be more charitable—that is to say, more loving.

Think about it. Is your heart as clean as your hands?  

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Psalm 19:12. Come now, let's settle this. Though my sins are like scarlet, Lord, You will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Isaiah 1:18. Thank You, my Lord and my Savior.

Daily Bible Reading: March 31 – Judges 3-5

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Have you ever eaten something and then thought…what did I just eat? Was it tasteless, did you just wolf it down, or were you distracted and didn’t pay any attention to what you were doing? You were eating! Enjoy what you eat—eat only real foods that you love.

I just picked up a book at the Library, Smart Chefs Stay Slim, and one of the lessons from that book is to surround yourself with food you like—but only eat the best. Like, if you like chocolate—eat THE BEST chocolate. Pass up any sugar-free or common candy bar stuff.

Recipe for today. If you are not already familiar with Intense Orange Lindt Dark Chocolate with almond slivers—try some soon. It is chocolate worth waiting for and savoring each bite. Don’t get distracted when you eat it—and do share with special friends. You can rationalize that since it is dark chocolate—it is healthy! Enjoy.

© 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.

Listen and Try to Understand

Modern Jerusalem - from Mt. of Olives

As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, He took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to Him. "Listen," He said, "we're going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence Him to die. Then they will hand Him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. But on the third day He will be raised from the dead." Matthew 20:17-19

Closer and closer. Jesus on His final trip to Jerusalem…to the Cross. He knew just what was going to happen. Betrayal. Death sentence. Mocking. Flogging. Crucifixion. And the end of the story…Resurrection.

Listen. That is what Jesus told His disciples. He told them what was going to happen to Him. Their job was to listen. Did they hear what He said? Do we hear what He said…what He is saying to us today? Listen. He told them over and over…listen.

-    Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Matthew 11:15.

-    Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "All of you listen," He said, "and try to understand. Mark 7:14.

-    But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Luke 6:27.

-    I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life. John 5:24.

Are you listening? Do you believe in God…in Jesus as your own Savior? Trust Him. Seek Him with all your heart and you will find Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am listening to Your Word…to Your voice calling me to obedience. May all that I think, say and do bring You honor and glory.

Daily Bible Reading: March 30 – Judges 1-2

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Carry Your Cross – No Turning Back

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? For the Son of Man will come with His angels in the glory of His Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. Matthew 16:24-27

Jesus was on His journey to the Cross. After He had asked them “Who do you say that I am?” He continued to speak to His disciples at Caesarea Philippi encouraging them to not be selfish—but to take their cross. They knew about Roman crucifixion and that the condemned criminals had to carry their cross…or part of it…to the execution site. Carry that cross…no turning back. No selfishly changing your mind and doing things your own way. Give up your ways and do things Jesus’ way. Earlier He had said…

If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. Matthew 10:38.  

Can you take up your own cross daily…and do things in a way that would please Jesus?

Jesus talked with the Jewish leaders after He had healed a lame man on the Sabbath.

And I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it's here now, when the dead will hear my voice—the voice of the Son of God. And those who listen will live. The Father has life in Himself, and He has granted that same life-giving power to His Son. And He has givenHhim authority to judge everyone because He is the Son of Man. John 5:25-27

The Son of Man, Jesus, the Messiah, my Savior. He will judge everyone one day. Are you using your ears to listen? When you read God’s word…are you listening? Is there a sin that you need to give up? Is there a promise for you to claim…or a command to obey? Do I need to acknowledge that Jesus is my Savior?

I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God's angels. But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God's angels. Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Luke 12:8-10.

Prayer ~ Father, I thank you for giving us Your Son, Jesus Christ, to give His life for us—hanging there on the Cross. A sacrifice once for all. I am listening to Your voice…and I willingly and humbly take up my cross to follow Jesus. May all that I think, say and do bring glory and honor to Jesus…and to You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 29 – Joshua 22-24

© 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.

Plainly—This is God’s Plan

From then on Jesus began to tell His disciples plainly that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem, and that He would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day He would be raised from the dead. Matthew 16:21

Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him. God the Father had shared His plan. Suffer, die, be raised from the dead. Sounds pretty straight forward—but incredibly painful. Jesus said… plainly that it was necessary…. Necessary. Yes. He had to suffer—to be the Passover Lamb for humankind. To take on all the sin of the world. He is awesome…knowing what He knew…and loving us all enough to do what was necessary. Necessary. What was required of Him by the Father…what was expected as an obedient Son. Necessary. For our salvation. His journey took Him to the Cross…and He tried to tell His disciples plainly that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem…to the Cross. Are you listening to Jesus…telling you the same thing? It was necessary. Be thankful and humbly grateful for what Jesus did for you. I am.

Prayer – Thank You Jesus, that You were obedient and that You fulfilled Your Father’s promise to be the sacrificial lamb for mankind. Plainly, it was necessary—although it was not what I would have chosen for You…but it was God the Father’s plan and You followed it. Thank You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 28 – Joshua 19-21

© 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.

Who Do They Say You Are?

Gates of Hell - Caesarea Philippi - Israel

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" "Well," they replied, "some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets." Then He asked them, "But who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven." Then He sternly warned the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Messiah. Matthew 16:13-20

On His journey to the Cross Jesus challenged His disciples as to who He is. Who do you say that I am?

It is a basic human instinct or longing to know and be known. Who do you say that I am? Who are you? People want to know. Jesus had already spoken of the “Son of Man” during His ministry. He told them that the Son of Man would be in the earth (grave) for three days, just like Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days. Were the disciples not listening? Peter’s response to Jesus’ question was brilliant and inspired by God. He was listening. Jesus and His disciples were standing near the headwaters of the Jordan River where Philip, a tetrarch ruler of Judaea from 4 BC to 34 AD who inherited the northeastern part of his father’s kingdom, had built a massive city called Caesarea Philippi. Part of that city was an immense temple built into the rock known as the “gates of Hell.” Jesus goes on to say…upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. This rock was the truth that He was the Messiah. That truth was the foundation of the Christian church. Jesus…as well as Peter…was known as the rock. He is the cornerstone.

For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' Acts 4:11.  

Who do you say that Jesus is? Who do people say that you are? Do you call yourself a Christian?  

Prayer ~ Guide us Lord that we would understand how You have built Your church on the truth that You are the Messiah. You are the cornerstone that is essential for holding the church together. We must acknowledge You as our Lord and Savior…so that You will acknowledge us before Your Heavenly Father one day.

Daily Bible Reading: March 27 – Joshua 16-18

© 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.

Healing Every Disease and Illness

Synagogue Ruins at Capernaum

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness. News about Him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to Him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—He healed them all. Large crowds followed Him wherever He went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. Matthew 4:23-25

 On His journey to the Cross Jesus traveled about…healing every disease and illness. That is powerful. Every illness and disease…not just some. Who else can do or has done that? No one that I’ve heard of has done that. David wrote about God’s promise…

Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. Psalm 103:1-3.  

People can get pretty desperate when they are sick—especially if they are facing a terminal illness. Grasping at any method of healing. Chemotherapy, radiation, homeopathic natural cures. Remember hearing of old stories of “bleeding” people to make them well? People will try anything. How about a leach…some castor oil…or my favorite—apple cider vinegar?! Jesus was healing all kinds of diseases—with His words and a touch. That is all it took.

            Leprosy - Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. "Lord," the man said, "if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean." Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," He said. "Be healed!" And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Matthew 8:2-3.

            Demon possession - That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and He healed all the sick. - Matthew 8:16.

            Paralysis - Some people brought to Him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven." ... So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!"  Matthew 9:2, 6.

Woman’s blood issue - Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, "Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well." And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:22.

Blindness - After Jesus left the girl's home, two blind men followed along behind Him, shouting, "Son of David, have mercy on us!" They went right into the house where He was staying, and Jesus asked them, "Do you believe I can make you see?" "Yes, Lord," they told Him, "we do." Then He touched their eyes and said, "Because of your faith, it will happen." - Matthew 9:27-29.

Large crowds followed Jesus wherever He went. Of course they would follow Him. Desperate to be healed—to see His power. Praise Him. He is the Creator, Redeemer…and Healer. He is God.

Who is Jesus to you? Is He your Savior?

 Prayer ~ I praise You, Jesus, for Your healing touch on those people calling for Your help two thousand years ago. Please continue to touch and heal people today…I particularly ask for Your mercy and healing for…Melissa, Diana, Bonnie, George, Amelia, Liberty, Ludi, Mary, Jim, Krystal…and many others—who You know and love. Your mercy is gracious and so appreciated.

Daily Bible Reading: March 26 – Joshua 12-15

© 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

Repent?

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

Jesus began to preach. He continued on His journey to the Cross. His message was the same as John’s. Repent of your sin…the Kingdom of Heaven in near. The message is the same today. Repent of your sin…the Kingdom of Heaven in near. The message has been the same for all years. Repent of sin. Turn to God. A simple, humbling act. Turn to God. Jesus spoke to a group of followers…

About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. "Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?" Jesus asked. "Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too." Luke 13:1-5.

The message was the same…repent of your sin. The importance of repenting was blatantly obvious. Repent or perish. I’ve heard several times that to repent is to agree with God. God already knows everyone’s sin. We just agree with Him that we have sinned—For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23. Have you repented of your sin?

Prayer ~ Teach me, Lord. Be sure I know and understand Your glorious standard that I would live in a way that pleases You in my every thought, word and action.

Daily Bible Reading: March 25 – Joshua 9-11

© 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.

Spiritual Bread

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread." But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say, 'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took Him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, "If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, 'He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.'" Jesus responded, "The Scriptures also say, 'You must not test the LORD your God.'" Next the devil took Him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. "I will give it all to you," he said, "if you will kneel down and worship me." "Get out of here, Satan," Jesus told him. "For the Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God and serve only Him.'" Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. Matthew 4:1-11

Camel Crossing at the Judean Desert - Israel.

From this hillside we looked into the Judean desert where Jesus spent His 40 days in the wilderness. A pure environment is empty of sin.  Pure people meet with God. Now there were no trees to provide shade or relief from the heat of the day. Were there trees in the Judean desert during Jesus time? Elijah found a small tree—a broom tree under which to rest in that same desert.  

Jesus journey to the Cross included a journey into the wilderness—a time alone with God. A time of temptation. This is the same desert that Elijah had gone to when he was discouraged. God provided bread for him and rest.

Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died." Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, "Get up and eat!" He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. 1 Kings 19:3-6.

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 when Satan tempted Him to turn the stones into bread. People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4. Spiritual bread—feed on God’s Word. Imagine how hungry Jesus was. He was in the desert for 40 days without food. I find it difficult to go even a day without food. Fast and pray. That is what Jesus was doing. Spending that time alone with God—but Satan intervened. He wanted to get Jesus to change His mind about being in total obedience to God the Father. Have you ever fasted—spending time praying and focusing on what God has to say to you in His word? If not, maybe try it for one meal, one day…or 40 hours. During that time listen to God through His Word…listen and pray. We don’t live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God. Don’t let Satan interfere with your time with the Lord—with your focus on Him.  

Prayer ~ Lord God, may I hear Your voice. May You fill the desert of my heart with Your life giving Bread. Your very words that give life, strength and spiritual health.

Daily Bible Reading: March 24 – Joshua 5-8

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

There are so many forms of bread. Yeast breads, sweet breads, unleavened breads, pancakes, waffles and muffins. So often we choose regular white or whole wheat bread, rye bread or sourdough bread at the store, but consider the unleavened breads. Pita, matza, lefse, or naan.

I’m continuing on my Indian food epicurean adventure and always thought naan was a non-yeast bread, but many recipes I discovered had yeast. Here’s one I tried that was good and didn’t have yeast.

Naan without yeast

2 cups flour (can be 1 cup whole wheat & 1 cup regular)

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 cup plain yogurt

Mix dry ingredients. Add yogurt until dough is too stiff to stir, then transfer to a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth. Put it in an oiled bowl, cover and let rest for at 30-60 minutes. Take the dough out and cut into six equal portions.  Press into round discs and then roll to ¼ inch thick—about 8 inches across.

Heat your broiler to 500 degrees F.

Heat a cast iron frying pan or griddle on medium heat and fry each disc of dough for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Then transfer to the broiler for 1-2 minutes to finish browning the bread. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter, if you like. Continue to fry and broil all the breads. Serve them hot. If you have leftovers reheat later at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes, wrapped in foil.

© 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.

We Must Carry Out All That God Requires

"I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be His slave and carry His sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."…Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk Him out of it. "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you," he said, "so why are you coming to me?" But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize Him. After His baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." Matthew 3: 11, 13-17.

Jesus’ journey to the Cross included a dip in the Jordan River—His baptism. At that time His cousin John was calling people to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand and when they confessed their sins, he baptized them. Jesus was sinless—but baptism was part of God’s plan—as Jesus said… for we must carry out all that God requires. The Pharisees were among the people who heard John the Baptist calling for repentance. Their response…

But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism. Luke 7:30.

The Pharisee refused God’s plan. Are you open to God’s plan—focusing on it—following it?

God’s plan for Jesus to be “baptized” by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was there at Jesus’ baptism— descending like a dove. God, the Father, was present at Jesus’ baptism, too, in the form of a voice from heaven exclaiming…"This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." In this way God showed approval of His Son—that He was pleased with Jesus. Jesus brought the Father great joy. Do your children bring you great joy? Mine certainly do.

Are you teaching your children and grandchildren to seek God…to seek His will for their lives? "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 NKJV.

Prayer ~ Do you not know that you are the temple of God and [that] the Spirit of God dwells in you? - 1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJV.

Lord God…I am a temple for You…for Your Holy Spirit. Dear Jesus, You paid a tremendous price for my salvation and I want to honor You in all that I think, say and do.

Daily Bible Reading: March 23 – Joshua 1-4

© 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

Do You Have To See To Believe?

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, "He told me everything I ever did!" When they came out to see Him, they begged Him to stay in their village. So He stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear His message and believe. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves. Now we know that He is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:39-42

This is a powerful story. These new believers were not Jews, but were half-breeds that the Jews detested. Some of these Samaritans had to hear Jesus for themselves to believe. That is similar to how Thomas wanted to touch the place where the nail had gone into Jesus’ wrists and where the soldiers had pierced His side before he would believe.

They (the other disciples) told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he replied, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side."  John 20:25.

Do you have to see to believe? What are you expecting to see…a baby in a manger…a man on a cross…Jesus glowing in the glory of His resurrection…Jesus peering down at you from Heaven…or Him coming back gloriously riding a white horse through the clouds of the sky? Can you believe in Jesus as the Messiah without seeing any vision or miracle? Can you hear Him speak to you in scriptures that you read…hopefully daily? I’m following the scripture reading that I’ve included on this blog since January 2017. Listen to what Moses said to the Israelites before they crossed into the Promised Land.

Mediterranean Sea at Tel Aviv

Do you have to cross the Sea to hear God's word? 

The LORD your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul. "This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, 'Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?' It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, 'Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?' No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it. "Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep His commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in His ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. Deuteronomy 30:10-16.

The Samaritans there in Sychar believed after they heard Jesus speak. Do you have ears to hear?

Prayer ~ Lord God, help us to hear Your words clearly and to obey.

Daily Bible Reading: March 22 – Deuteronomy 32-34; Psalm 91

Happy 8^th Birthday, Isaac!

May God bless and guide you always.

Listen and Obey.

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Devotion Begins at Conception

Mary responded, "Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and He has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear Him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For He made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever." Luke 1:46-55

Fold your hands and pray little child.

Love the Lord your God.

Girls in the time of Jesus did not go to school—even Hebrew school, so it is amazing how devoted to the Lord Mary was. Her family obviously followed the Law and “talked” about the word of God as they walked along.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons (and daughters) and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NASB.

Through His mother, Mary, Jesus began His journey to the Cross. She was devoted to God—and to her son from the very beginning of His life. In her intense commitment to the Lord she recognized not only that she was blessed…but that her nation has received the promise that God made to Abraham. Merciful. Compassionate. Gracious. Kind. Generous. What a loving God we have. Do you feel that love that God gives to us all? Do you share it with others…your family, friends and neighbors? Are you devoted to God...to your children and grandchildren from the very beginning of their lives?

Prayer ~ Lord God, help me to be more loving and to teach others Your words.

Daily Bible Reading: March 21 – Deuteronomy 30-31

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Spring – Time to Plant

Here is another story Jesus told: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew. "The farmer's workers went to him and said, 'Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?' "'An enemy has done this!' the farmer exclaimed. "'Should we pull out the weeds?' they asked. "'No,' he replied, 'you'll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.'" Matthew 13:24-30

It is time to plant the garden—first day of Spring! Every summer when I am weeding the garden, I think maybe I should leave the weeds so that the good vegetable plants won’t be pulled up, too. NOT!  Sometimes it is just lazy to not weed. In the garden, the weeds will just take over if I don’t keep up with them—and they’ll choke the life out of those veggies—take up the nutrients, water, and sunlight that the plants really need. If I keep up with the weeding, the weeds won’t take over—but I have to be careful not to pull up the good plants with the weeds. Without the weeds, the garden provides good food to serve at the table. In this parable the young plants, wheat and weeds, are growing together, roots intertwined. The landowner made the right decision to not pull up the weeds until the harvest. On His way to the Cross, Jesus gave some great teachings—life lessons. Do we have ears to hear?

So like the weeding process, that is how it will be when Jesus returns. The tares---the bad people will be gathered up and thrown into the fire (hell) and the good people will be gathered up and put in the barn (heaven). Let’s be sure that we are among the good wheat gathered into our Heavenly Father’s barn. There’ll be a great party in that barn with lots of good food! I want to be there, how about you?

Prayer ~ Lord, let us be like the good wheat that was gathered into the barn.

Daily Bible Reading: March 20 – Deuteronomy 28-29

Adapted from March 20, 2012 Banquet With The King blog.

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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The Lord is With You – Within You

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17

On His journey to the Cross…Jesus was thinking about you. With His love—He will calm all your fears. What a great promise! Even the most courageous among us has fear…fear of what others will think—or of unmet expectations. Fear of failure, fear of public speaking, fear of inadequacy or fear of the future…or of death. Tough guys aren’t always so tough. They have some hidden fear that only God knows. God is faithful—and He is living among you. He is in the very hearts of those who love Him. 

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:9-11.

Dogwood blossoms - Reminding us of Jesus' sacrifice

Do you belong to Jesus? If not—seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Ask Him to forgive you from your sin and to be part of your life. Let Him calm all your fears.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Be my vision…I rejoice and sing to You...[words At­trib­ut­ed to Dal­lan For­gaill, 8th Cen­tu­ry in Ireland]

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Daily Bible Reading: March 19 – Deuteronomy 24-27

© 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

Israel—Your Savior is Coming

The LORD has sent this message to every land: "Tell the people of Israel, 'Look, your Savior is coming. See, He brings His reward with Him as He comes.'" Isaiah 62:11

What a great message! It was for Israel first…then for the rest of the world. Your Savior is coming. And who would that be? Jesus Christ. He is the Savior. Angels declared it at His birth.

Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 NKJV

Then in Samaria, Jesus met a woman at the well…and she, as well as most of the town of Sychar, became believers.

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, "He told me everything I ever did!" When they came out to see Him, they begged Him to stay in their village. So He stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear His message and believe. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves. Now we know that He is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:39-42.

Your Savior is coming. Not all of the Jews who encountered Jesus believed in Him as their Savior. Few of the religious leaders believed. Most of the Jews including the leaders at the Temple were looking for a political leader to free them from the Roman oppression. They were not nearly as “oppressed” as the Jews had been when they were slaves in Egypt, but they wanted freedom—and they didn’t believe that Jesus was their Messiah.

Is it possible that Jesus is your Messiah? Who do you say that He is?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, like the people of Sychar, I believe that You are indeed the Savior of the world. You came to provide salvation to the Jews…and to the Gentiles…to the whole world. I praise You—for You are that true God—the living Messiah—who came to set us free. Thank You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 18 – Deuteronomy 21-23

© 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

No One Can Snatch You Out of God’s Hand

"But you are my witnesses, O Israel!" says the LORD. "You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God--there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior. First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God," says the LORD. "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done." Isaiah 43:10-13

There is no other God like our God. He is the only God. I was reminded today that Jesus called God the Father, “Father.” We can only call God “Father” if Jesus is our Savior. Jesus said…

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Paul wrote to the church at Rome about being adopted into God’s family.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

Adopted. Adopted by the greatest Dad—The Abba Father! It’s been said that people visualize God in a way that speaks to them. My Great-grandfather was an Irishman with flaming red hair when he was young that gave way to a stunning head of snow-white hair with pink streaks when he was in his late eighties and I knew him. That was long before pink hair was some kind of fashion statement. Do I visualize God as my Great-grandfather…an Abba Father? Would we be eating Corned Beef and cabbage together today?

However you visualize God—may He bless you and hold you close today. Like Jesus wanted to gather the children of Israel…that is how I visualize God.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under [her] wings, but you were not willing! Matthew 23:37 NKJV

No one can snatch you out of God’s hand…if you believe and God is your Father.

Prayer ~ Dear God, bless each of us today as we remember St. Patrick—a shepherd slave who became a Christian believer in Ireland. Like St. Patrick may we continue to seek You, Lord, and be devoted to You in all that we think, say and do.

Daily Bible Reading: March 17 – Deuteronomy 17-20

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

For Saint Patrick’s Day we’ll be gathering for a Traditional Irish Celebration of Corned Beef and Cabbage—with Irish Soda Bread.

Crock-pot Corned Beef

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces

10 baby red potatoes, quartered

1 onion, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

5 cups water

1 (4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spices

1 medium sized head of cabbage, chopped, (optional)

Place the carrots, potatoes, and onion into the bottom of a slow cooker, pour in the water, and place the brisket on top of the vegetables. If a spice packet was provided with the meat, sprinkle on the spices. If no spice packet was provided, add a heaping tablespoon of pickling spice. Cover, and set the cooker on Low. Cook for 10-11 hours.

Serve with cooked cabbage—my family enjoys sweet and sour cabbage, so I cook it separately from the corned beef. If preferred, during the last hour or two of simmering the corned beef, you may add a head of cabbage, quartered.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

© 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

Where is This God of Yours?

But each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life. "O God my rock," I cry, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?" Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, "Where is this God of yours?" Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:8-11

Lonesome Tree - Israel

Feel that unfailing love surrounding you. This Psalm was apparently written by a person exiled in the far north of Palestine, who wanted to return to Jerusalem and the Temple there. He was feeling forgotten. Remember how Jesus felt forgotten and forsaken as He hung on the Cross. His journey to the Cross took Him from a time of continually encouraging communication with the Father…to a feeling of rejection on the Cross. His bones were not broken—but in the process of crucifixion the joints of His bones became loose and disjointed. Had He not been dead when the soldiers stuck a spear into His, they would have broken His bones.

Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:32-34 NKJV.

Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you? Has someone asked you…"Where is this God of yours?" And what was your answer? Are you discouraged or sad? Put your hope in God—praise Him. He is…or wants to be…your Savior and your God. Jesus died on the Cross as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind—but each person has to believe this concept for themselves—to establish a relationship with God.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

Feel His unfailing love surrounding you…and believe. When you choose to believe, you’ll find this God of yours in what may seem like an unusual place…your heart. If someone asks……"Where is this God of yours?" you’ll have an answer. Your heart.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I give You my heart…give me a new heart, and put a new spirit in me. Take out my stony, stubborn heart and give me a tender, responsive heart as you promised in Ezekiel 36:26. I praise You, Lord, for You are my God and my Savior.

Daily Bible Reading: March 16 – Deuteronomy 14-16

© 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

Climb the Lord’s Mountain and Stand in His Holy Place—Your Heart

Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Psalm 24:3-6 

Kim and the girls - Climbing Badger Mt.

Who can climb God's mountain?

Those with a pure heart--seeking the Lord.

Only the holy can stand before God—hearts and hands pure.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Psalm 15:1-2.

David knew about purity before God and a right relationship. A really good relationship—open, honest, pure—is exactly what I am striving for with the Lord. The great thing is that He accepts us as we are…but doesn’t want us to stay that way. Holy. Holiness unto the Lord. That is how we must be. We can only attain that holiness because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. His shed blood washes away our impurity—and gives us a pure heart. Worthy to stand before His Throne.

What a great promise He gives us—we will receive the LORD’s blessing and have a right relationship with God—our Savior. Blessing and relationship. That is love…and we know that God loves us. God is Love.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16 NLT

Where do you stand with the Lord? Is His throne in your heart…approachable with holy purity?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are love…and I want to know You even better and be even closer to You than I’ve ever been. Bless me…and all those who seek You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 15 – Deuteronomy 11-13

Happy Birthday, Kim - May you continue to be blessed

by our gracious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as you seek and serve Him!

© 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