Eat and Drink Safely

And then He (Jesus) told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won't hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed." Mark 16:15-18 

Eat or drink something poisonous, it won’t hurt you. That is God’s…Jesus’ promise. Miraculous signs—including food safety. We pray before we eat…that God would bless the food. Bless…purify it. In Old Testament times prophets were also called upon to bless the food.

As they were climbing the hill to the town, they met some young women coming out to draw water. So Saul and his servant asked, "Is the seer here today?" "Yes," they replied. "Stay right on this road. He is at the town gates. He has just arrived to take part in a public sacrifice up at the place of worship. Hurry and catch him before he goes up there to eat. The guests won't begin eating until he arrives to bless the food."  Samuel 9:11-13.

That “seer” was the prophet Samuel. It seems that already they had the custom of blessing the food. The Hebrew people have the practice of blessing their food before and after their meal recognizing that everything comes from God. Before the meal…

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to Him. Psalm 24:1.

They bless each type of food…bread, fruit, vegetables, wine…and other foods. The Lord is also blessed. After the meal a blessing is offered in keeping with this scripture.

When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the LORD your God for the good land He has given you. Deuteronomy 8:10.

Our blessing custom reminds us the food comes from God and is pure…as He promised. It is an answer to the great prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. The Lord’s Prayer.

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.

Some people think that the “food” refers to spiritual food…as well as daily physical food. I agree. Spiritual food—God’s truths—are as important to us as the physical food that God so generously provides. Do you give Thanks to God for the pure and nutritional food that He provides for you?

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, for teaching Your disciples…and us…to pray—especially to give thanks for our food, purifying it for Your use in our bodies.

Daily Bible Reading:  2 Chronicles 19-23

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Food safety is so very important in the summer to keep bacteria from growing and contaminating your foods. You’ve probably heard the essential ones:

·         Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

·         Wash your hands and keep your preparation surfaces clean, too.

·         Don’t allow cross-contamination between raw meats and other raw foods.

·         Use a thermometer and cook to the right temperature.

·         Refrigerate unused foods in one (if over 90 degrees outside) or two hours after beginning to serve the food.

·         Check web sites like the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for more information. foodsafety.gov

© 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.

Do You Need to Be Refreshed?

The wild animals in the fields will thank me, the jackals and owls, too, for giving them water in the desert. Yes, I will make rivers in the dry wasteland so my chosen people can be refreshed. Isaiah 43:20

Yakima River

Streams of water in the desert—actually rivers. My home is in a semi-desert area where the great Columbia, Snake and Yakima Rivers converge. Most people think of rain, evergreen trees and mountains when they consider the Washington state environment. Actually, on the southeast side of the state where I live we typically get less than ten inches of rain a year—and it can be very hot and dry during the summer. We’ve already had a day or two of over 100 degrees and we are looking at temperatures in the 90’s to 100 in the next ten days. No rain and not much to encourage evergreen trees to grow here. Just native sagebrush and cheat grass that has invaded our region. We have the rivers that keep deer and lots of birds thriving on the shores of their banks. It is exciting to see heron, hawks, and even pelicans flying around nearby. I’ve even spotted a couple of coyote while hiking a few miles from my home. Those wild animals are sure to thank the Lord for the water available to them.

We have living water here, too, provided by the Lord. Jesus is alive and well in our community…but you have to look pretty hard to find Him in some areas. Jesus has refreshed me here in this desert wasteland—I’ve renewed my strength in Him daily—because I do seek Him. Years ago I realized how much I need Jesus—His word and some conversation with Him every day. On days that I don’t make time for Him—I usually fall into a slump or a bad attitude creeps into my thoughts and actions. How do I escape? Scripture is the key for me. A few verses that I’ve memorized rescue me from the doldrums that invade my life. What do you do when you need to be refreshed? Have some cool, living water. Jesus will provide some unique refreshment for your soul.

Prayer ~ Jesus, You said You have Living Water—the Spirit. Refresh us today.

"If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." John 4:10.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 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.

Are You Standing Firm on Holy Ground?

It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and He has identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything He has promised us. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 

Guarantees are usually for a year or so…or you pay more for a five or ten year guarantee. A warranty on a refrigerator or even on a car eventually runs out and there you are left holding the bag…or the cord or steering wheel attached to a piece of worn out or broken equipment. Not so with God. His guarantee lasts a true lifetime—an eternity. It doesn’t wear out and isn’t easily misplaced.  

Synagogue at Capernaum - Holy Ground

I think we are so blessed! People in the Old Testament times didn’t have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit so they were left with shaking footing. Remember how God told Moses from the burning bush…"Do not come any closer," the LORD warned. "Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground." Exodus 3:5. Holy Ground. Surely God was speaking and the Holy Spirit was there. When I think about Aaron and the golden calf, or Moses hitting the rock for water, or Solomon turning his back on God, I don’t see the Holy Spirit with them. They all needed to “stand firm for Christ” but they didn’t. They wavered and caved with anger or slipped into satan’s ploy to turn them from God’s desires. With the Holy Spirit in us we have a better chance of standing firm—but we have to rely on Christ and the Holy Spirit—not ourselves so we don’t slip and fall. Watch your footing—is it on Holy Ground?

Prayer ~Lord, I want to be in Your presence continually—filled with the Holy Spirit and standing on Holy Ground. Give me words of encouragement for others that we would all stand firm in You, Christ. May those I meet that don’t know You, see You in me…and may I be so bold as to share Your Good News with them.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 20-21

© 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.

Yes or No? Do You Need a Reminder?

You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say "Yes" when they really mean "No"? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between "Yes" and "No." For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between "Yes" and "No." He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God's ultimate "Yes," He always does what He says. For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for His glory. 2 Corinthians 1:17-20

Possible site of the Sermon on the Mount

On a hillside near the Sea of Galilee - Israel

Saying what you mean is an honest response—it shows integrity. No lying or hiding the truth. Jesus taught this same thing in His Sermon on the Mount.

You have also heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the LORD.' But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, 'By heaven!' because heaven is God's throne. And do not say, 'By the earth!' because the earth is His footstool. And do not say, 'By Jerusalem!' for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, 'By my head!' for you can't turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Anything beyond this is from the evil one. Matthew 5:33-37.

That was taught in the Old Testament.

Then Moses summoned the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, "This is what the LORD has commanded: A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do. Numbers 30:1-2.

I love it when Jesus uses Old Testament scripture to teach His truths. It was there all along—the people just needed a reminder. Do we need a reminder, too? Dig into His word and find His truths and promises for yourself. Yes? Or No? Amen.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—thank you for the reminder that we need to let our “Yes” be Yes...and our “No” be No. Once again we are grateful for Your obedience—coming to earth and being the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Your “YES” fulfilled all our Heavenly Father’s promises and gives hope to all of humanity—for a forever future with You. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 17-19

© 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.

Who Do You Trust?

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:23-25

Trust this bridge? It won't let you fall in the water.

Trust God. Cross His bridge to eternal reward.

Bridges on the Columbia River at Kennewick and Pasco.

Who do you trust…really trust with your hopes, dreams, secrets, joys and sorrows?  God can be trusted. There were many times that the Israelites throughout history didn’t put their trust or their hope in God…and we still see that today in them and in us. But we can trust God…He wants us to trust Him. David wrote about trusting in God.

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

I recently read the book of Ecclesiastes and Solomon, even with all his wisdom and riches, was so mournfully, depressingly hopeless about life. Isaiah repeats that when he writes about having no purpose…but Isaiah still has hope and trust in God. He is looking for a reward.

Listen to me, all you in distant lands! Pay attention, you who are far away! The LORD called me before my birth; from within the womb he called me by name. He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword. He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand. I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver. He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory." I replied, "But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the LORD's hand; I will trust God for my reward." Isaiah 49:1-4

For the nation of Israel to be delivered from bondage may have been the reward. For everyone called by God, it is His salvation that is our reward. The Lord speaks to Israel through His prophet Isaiah about the Messiah—Jesus.

He says, "You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6

Promises. God says, “I will.” God certainly has provided us with hope—hope for today and hope for our future with Him. We can trust Him to keep His promises. Encourage others with that Good News.

Prayer ~ Lord, I trust You with all of my heart, mind, soul and strength. You are the light of my life…shine through me. Help me to trust others and share Your love and good news with them.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings16; 2 Chronicles 17  

© 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.

Comforting and Loving Others

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:2-4

No compassion with this beast.

God will not gobble us up like an alligator would!

He is full of grace, mercy and love.

Our God is merciful—full of mercy—full of compassion towards us. He takes pity on us—lowly, disobedient creatures that we often are. In spite of our shortcomings, He loves us and shows us His grace—that unmerited favor—undeserved approval.

Why do we need God’s grace…or His mercy? The world would be a horrible place—full of evil without God, His love, grace and mercy. Love is a basic human necessity. Babies die without love. I’m sure you’ve heard of studies where babies were never touched, although they had basic needs of food and fresh diaper met. They actually died from a lack of human touch—no love. How utterly sad. In that same way I think that humans need a spiritual touch or their spirit turns to darkness…to death. With His grace and mercy God offers us with His love. He fills us up with His love…and as we grow in His love, it overflows from us to others. That’s God’s plan—spread the love around.

But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4-5.

During His Last Supper with His disciples, Jesus continued to guide and direct them with His teachings.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35

Paul continued this teaching of “love” as he traveled through the Mediterranean region spreading the good news about Jesus.

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.  Galatians 5:13

That same “good news” is available to us…to live and share with others today. Good news—that we can have a relationship with God…and with Jesus. We don’t have to feel isolated and unloved. God is always with us (Deuteronomy 31:8) and in His mercy and grace we can live loving lives forever through Him.

And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our (Paul, Silas and Timothy) love for you overflows. 1 Thessalonians 3:12.

Where do you stand in “relationship” to God and to others? If you think your relationship to God is good…then consider how you share Him with others.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus Christ, as we come boldly to the throne of our gracious God, may we receive Your mercy, and find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:16. May Your grace, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of us. 2 Corinthians 13:14. Show us ways to let Your love flow through us to others around us—sharing Your grace and mercy.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13-16

© 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.

The Bridegroom is Coming

Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. "At midnight they were roused by the shout, 'Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!' "All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, 'Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' "But the others replied, 'We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.' "But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, 'Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!' "But he called back, 'Believe me, I don't know you!' "So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:1-13

I love this parable that Jesus told His disciples about the kingdom of heaven. Only found in the book of Matthew, it gives us Protestants a view into the Jewish customs. The Jewish couple is betrothed—promised in marriage to each other, but their wedding doesn’t take place until their home is prepared. The bridegroom goes to his father’s house and adds on a room—or rooms depending on his wealth. When his father says that the home is ready for the bride, he sends the bridegroom to get her. Meanwhile the wedding party, including those ten virgins, have been preparing for the wedding at the bride’s home—helping her get ready.

I just imagine these ten girls all curled up, sleeping while they are waiting for the bridegroom’s procession. "He is coming!" They are awakened suddenly, excited, jumping up and down, bumping into each other, and some discover they don’t have enough oil. The important point is that the five wise girls who planned ahead had enough “oil” to light their lamps and the others didn’t.

The bridegroom arrives at the bride’s home and after observing some religious ceremonies he wisks her away to their new home, at his father’s house—where the wedding ceremony and the festivities take place. The bride’s maids in waiting would come out with oil lamps to light up the entrance as the groom and his guests arrived. After the bridegroom procession entered his father’s house, the doors were shut and no other guests were received. Then the bride and groom would be seated under a colorful canopy and for the next three to five days the father of the groom hosted an elaborate and elegant banquet. The wedding feast. Those who are ready go with the bride and groom—those who aren’t ready miss out altogether. Moral of the story—be ready. The unprepared girls had to go buy more oil—and when they arrived at the wedding feast the door was locked and they were not allowed to enter. Thus they were left out in the cold—the Lord didn’t know them. 

The bride symbolically represents the church, the bridegroom is Christ, and the ten virgins are said to be representative of the professing Jewish remnant on earth at Christ’s return. The oil is symbolic for the Holy Spirit—so be wise… keep yourself filled. Be ready—again, BE PREPARED! We don’t know the hour or the day that Christ, the bridegroom, will return and take us to His feast. That is The Banquet we don’t want to miss!

Read the passage in John 14:1-3…Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. This is Jesus’ promise to us that He is preparing a place for us in heaven—in His Father’s house—just like the Jewish bridegroom in this scripture in Matthew. 

Prayer ~ Lord God, thank you for your plan to have Your Son prepare a place just for us. We so look forward to the great wedding feast in Your Heavenly home one day.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 10-12

Happy Anniversary to my hunny husband. Forty-five years - happy together.

© 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.

Blessing for the Gentiles

But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When He was hung on the cross, He took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing He promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14

God has His chosen people—but He graciously extended that to include the Gentiles of the world that believed in Him. Thanks be to God. As a Gentile I feel especially blessed to know God…and to be not only known by Him, but adopted by Him.

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

Are you part of God’s family? It’s a decision available to everyone…anywhere in the world. You choose. 

Prayer ~ Thank You, God, for blessing and including the Gentiles into Your family.

Daily Bible Reading:  1 Kings 12-14

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Water

Be careful not to get dehydrated in this summer heat. Even without the heat we need to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Drink additional water, sports drink or for children, Pedialyte, to replace lost fluids.

Water—cool clear water—is the best. God created it—it is good.

© 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.

Promise for the White Haired

Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim Your power to this new generation, Your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God? You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but You will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again. Then I will praise you with music on the harp, because You are faithful to Your promises, O my God. I will sing praises to you with a lyre, O Holy One of Israel. Psalm 71:18-22 

Old and gray…how about old and white haired!?! Having recently had a birthday I’m wondering who is this old person looking back at me in the mirror? I’m not really old yet…just not so young anymore. I have to keep reminding myself that age is a state of the mind. Stay young. God has promised that He will be with me throughout my lifetime…even in my old age.

I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. Isaiah 46:4

It is also encouraging that Jesus is described with white hair in Revelation. If it’s good enough for Him...then who am I to question it? I should love it!

His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And His eyes were like flames of fire. Revelation 1:14

Enough about white hair! The real truth to realize here is once again that God keeps His promises.

Hiking through the valleys.

Life is not an easy road for most of us. I am one to admit that I’ve gone through some deep valleys—but God promised to be with me always and I’ve claimed that promise hundreds of times. I know that even now…He is with me. He will never leave me or forsake me. (Deuteronomy 31:8)  Are you singing praises for the wonderful things He has done…for His love and faithfulness? What promise can you claim from God today? He gave us His Son Jesus—as a sacrifice for our sins. In that promise that God the Father fulfilled, there is no greater love. What do we seek most in life? Love. God gave it. We just need to embrace it.

Prayer ~ Father God, Thank You. I praise You for keeping Your promises. You loved me…and the world…so much that You willingly gave up Your one and only Son as a sacrifice. I am overwhelmed with gratitude, respect and love for You.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 30-31

© 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.

I Praise the LORD

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. Psalm 103:1-2 

Open the Door to Your Heart

This is a day of a huge milestone—for this blog. 2000 posts since January 2012 when I started this daily devotional—for family and friends. It has reached people in 92 different countries—with almost 25,000 page views. I know this isn’t many compared to some blogs—but for a daily devotional that was originally intended for family and a few friends—this is colossal! I am grateful to my God for His guidance with this blog—and especially to the Holy Spirit for reminding me of Jesus’ teachings—as He promised—and for encouraging me when I just didn’t know what to say. As I look back over the past five and a half years I am amazed at the things I’ve written—but I acknowledge that it is the Holy Spirit—not me who does this writing. When I go it alone, it’s not so powerful, not so insightful. I praise the Lord! He is an awesome God…and He is My God! 

Prayer ~ My prayer is that You, Lord, will continue to touch the lives of those who have read this blog—even if it was only one time. Bless and guide them. May they seek You, Your promises for them and feel Your presence in their lives. You are what matters in this existence we have here on earth…and especially in the Kingdom to come. I praise You—for You are my Lord, my Savior, and my God. King of Kings…Lord of Lords.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9

© 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.

Are You Listening?

Listen to this, all you people! Pay attention, everyone in the world! High and low, rich and poor—listen! For my words are wise, and my thoughts are filled with insight. I listen carefully to many proverbs and solve riddles with inspiration from a harp. Why should I fear when trouble comes, when enemies surround me? They trust in their wealth and boast of great riches. Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave. Those who are wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. Psalm 49:1-10 

The End of the Road is the Cemetery for Everyone.

God’s promise follows this discussion of death…But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave. Psalm 49:15. God will redeem…save my life. Though I die and rest in the grave for years…I will live again. Through His Son, Jesus…through Jesus’ blood shed on the cross for my sins, I am redeemed…saved from eternal damnation apart from God. That is good news to every one...not just for me. We don’t have to be afraid to die. So many people fear death. They do everything they can to escape dying. Some seek drastic health measure that may include traveling to clinics in distant countries for procedures that are considered risky or unapproved in the United States. Billions of dollars are spent annually for supplements and cures as people try to extend their lives. Yet God promises that those who believe in His Son will live forever.

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. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18.

Do you fear the future or do you believe in Jesus as God’s Son?  

Prayer ~ God, Thank You for giving Your one and only Son and for the opportunity for everyone in the world—through all time—to believe in Him. I humbly look forward to seeing You in Heaven someday…and for now, help me to tell others Your good news. Open the eyes and ears of more people today that both Jews and Gentiles would understand that Jesus is the Messiah of all.

Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 7-12

© 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.

King Forever

The LORD will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations. Praise the LORD! Psalm 146:10

What does “forever” look like to you? I don’t think that we mere humans can really get our minds around “forever.” It is a long, long time! Eternity. He has promised to be our God—to be the God of Jerusalem—forever. Literally throughout the generations—that is forever.

According to the great Bible commentator Matthew Henry, David is assumed to have written Psalm 146. It is a great psalm of praise—beginning and ending with “Praise the Lord!” Hallelujah! Praising Jehovah…shortened as with a contraction to Jah. Praising Jah. We don’t have to be Jewish or in Jerusalem to praise the Lord. David was devoted to God. As king he could have stepped back and let the priests and his people honor God…but instead he was an example to them—praising God from the depths of his soul.

Praise the LORD! Let all that I am praise the LORD. I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath. ... But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. Psalm 146:1-2, 5-6

Hope...for fresh wild strawberries.

Just looking at creation around me, gives me an awesome respect for the Lord, as well as joy and hope. The variety of plants and animals that God created is amazing…and the night sky with just the naked eye is astounding. Yet with a microscope or a telescope we can see even more miraculous things. God is infinitely incredible. Words can’t really describe Him or the glories of His creation. I will praise Him forever. Yes…forever. He gives me hope that there is a forever…an eternity of love, joy, and peace with His grace and mercy. Is God’s forever part of your future…part of your today? We each have a choice. I pray that you will choose to seek God and let Him reign in your heart. Praise the Lord!

Prayer ~ Lord, just as the Israelites declared with Joshua before they entered into the Promised Land…"We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey Him alone." Joshua 24:24. Let all the people praise You, Lord God—King of Kings, forever.

Daily Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 1-6

© 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.

God Remembers His Promise

Sing a new song to the LORD, for He has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; His holy arm has shown His saving power! The LORD has announced His victory and has revealed His righteousness to every nation! He has remembered His promise to love and be faithful to Israel. The ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout to the LORD, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Sing your praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song, with trumpets and the sound of the ram's horn. Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King! Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Let the earth and all living things join in. Let the rivers clap their hands in glee! Let the hills sing out their songs of joy before the LORD. For the LORD is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with fairness. Psalm 98:1-9 

The Lord has remembered His promise to love and be faithful to Israel. His promise was first to Abram when He called him to go to Canaan.

Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, And from your relatives And from your father's house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And so you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." Genesis 12:1-3 NASB

In Abram, all the world will be blessed. Israel and the whole world. Abram is the father of Issac, the father of Jacob, who was later renamed, Israel. The father of all the nation of Israel. God promised over and over that He would be their God and give them the Land. He made a covenant with Abram as recorded in Genesis 15.

And He (God) took him (Abram) outside and said, "Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." Then he believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. And He said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess it." Genesis 15:5-7 NASB

The Lord promises. At just the right time. That time is still to come…just the right time. God’s time.

This is what the LORD says: "At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them. Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again. Isaiah 49:8 NLT

We wait on the Lord for His right time…and trust that He will keep His promise to Israel. In the meantime…sing to the Lord and pray for Jerusalem and all of Israel.

Prayer ~ Lord, we trust you to keep Your promises for You are holy, powerful, righteous, and worthy of our praise. You are our Creator, our Savior, our Deliverer and our almighty Judge. Worthy is the Lamb. Let the whole world and everything in it sing out in joy before You.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 27-29  

© 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.

God Will Judge

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 96:9-13 

This Psalm parallels 1 Chronicles 16:23-33.

Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! 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 joy fill His dwelling. 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 presence. Worship the LORD in all His holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Tell all the nations, "The LORD reigns!" 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, for the LORD is coming to judge the earth.

Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise.

1 Chronicles 16:23-33.

David had placed the Ark of the Covenant in a special tent he had prepared just for it. He was telling the Israelites to praise the Lord—to worship Him in all His glory. The heavens, earth and all of creation will praise Him. He was also warning them that God will come to judge the earth—proclaiming His justice and truth. That is God’s promise. He is coming and will judge the people of the whole world.

And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of Him during your time as "foreigners in the land." 1 Peter 1:17

All people of all times and all places will one day be judged. But the cool thing is that Jesus will be the advocate for those who believe in Him…they won’t receive the punishment they deserve. He took those sins, mistakes, errors in choices—whatever you want to call them—on Himself when He went to the cross. Punishment paid in full. Where do you stand with Jesus? Forgiven?

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You for taking my sins upon Yourself when You died on the cross. No judgment for me—and I am so grateful to You. Forever grateful. I praise You—above all. I worship You—in all of Your glory. You are my God, my Savior.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 25-26

© 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.

Promise of Promises

For Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The LORD always keeps His promises; He is gracious in all He does. Psalm 145:13

Everlasting. We can trust God to keep His promises…forever. Our God is a gracious God. He doesn’t force Himself on us…He is not condescending. Grace…unmerited favor. Think of a time that God was good to you…showing you some undeserved kindness. Maybe it was just a parking place, healing some disease or injury, providing finances at the right time, or giving you some scriptural insight. Whatever it was, can you see that God was in it? Maybe you didn’t see that He was in it when it was happening, but He was working in YOU. Does that help you to trust Him more…to know that He keeps His promises?  

Blooming Promise

Prayer ~ Lord, may we be like the father from whose child You cast out an evil spirit… The father instantly cried out, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24. Let us see You working in our lives. Show us Your promises.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Getting ready for the hot summer days ahead of us? Brew up some chai tea and make an iced chai latte. Most of us don’t have whole spices sitting around in our cupboards but I’ve included those as an alternative. Either way…enjoy! Refreshing!

Chai Tea Latte

3 c. milk (can be half-n-half, whole, low fat or coconut)

3 c. boiling water

6-8 black tea bags (or 6 tsp loose black tea)

¼ c. honey (or to taste)

1 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 stick cinnamon)

1 tsp ground cardamom (or 19 cardamom pods)

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp ground cloves (or 8 whole cloves)

½ tsp grated or mashed fresh ginger (1/4 tsp powdered ginger)

Pour boiling water over tea and spices. Let steep 5-10 minutes. Filter through a fine mesh strainer.

Hot Chai

Warm milk to almost boiling, add to warm tea and serve.

Iced Chai

Cool tea, add milk and serve in a tall glass over ice.  Top it with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Refrigerate unused beverage for a couple of days.

© 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.

Can You Feel God’s Unfailing Love?

The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For His unfailing love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:8-13

Holy Family Shrine - Nebraska

Visible as God's Love

Sometimes we feel loved…and sometimes we don’t feel loved. Maybe I should rephrase that as “Sometimes I feel loved…and sometimes I don’t feel loved.” Really I think it is just that sometimes I just don’t love myself. I mess up and then put myself down before I get right again with God. Jesus noted that one of the greatest commandments was about loving ourselves…Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18. This tells me that I must love myself …to love others around me.

Consider the foundation of love. God is the source of all love…He 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. 

Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn't your life of integrity give you hope? Job 4:6.

Because I have great respect or reverence for God, I have confidence in Him…and in His love. He gives us examples of love.

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NASB.

David writes in Psalm 103 that God’s love is unfailing. He will never leave us or forsake us…so His love is not only unfailing…it is ever present. What a great reminder that God loves us. There are times I need that reminder. How about you? Do you feel God’s compassion and mercy in His unfailing love?

Prayer ~ Lord, shower Your love on us. May it flow through us to others.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 134, 146-150

© 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.

Delight in the Lord

Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desires. Psalm 37:4

One of my greatest prayers for my grandchildren is that God will give them their hearts desire—but even more so that they will have wisdom to make good choices. Having a plan—a direction—is so important. Benjamin Franklin once said… “If you fail to plan…you plan to fail.”

Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11

May He grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

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

That verse could even include spiritual war…the warfare that we face every day…whether we realize it or not. So along with a “plan” for the day…trusting in the Lord to guide and direct your path, put on your spiritual armor.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 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 6:10-18

Tea Time Delight

Delight is a joyous emotion! May you find joy in the Lord...and in pleasing Him. In that joy you may just find that God is giving you your heart's desire. Be careful what you wish for. 

Prayer ~ Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name. Isaiah 26:8  

Daily Bible Reading:  2 Chronicles 6-7; Psalm 136

Happy Birthday, sweet grandgirl Lydia!

© 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.

Are You Slow to Get Angry?

The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. Psalm 145:8

I’ve Irish heritage—so there is nothing slow about the angry side of my temperament. God has worked on me for many years—taming my hot head. I am grateful that I don’t get angry and blow up like I did when I was younger.  Poof! Was I a fire-breathing dragon? God has been merciful to me, molding me to be a more compassionate person.  His love never fails. Never fails to amaze me. 

God must not be Irish since He is slow to anger. When He renewed His covenant with Moses He told Moses that He was slow to anger…

The LORD passed in front of Moses, calling out, "Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness." Exodus 34:6. It takes compassion and mercy to not get angry…and the Lord had plenty of reason to be angry with those Israelites as Moses was leading them from Egypt to the Promised Land. Later in Numbers 14 it is recorded that God was ready to wipe out the Israelites for being such a disobedient, rebellious bunch of people, but Moses took their defense, asking God to pardon them. Moses repeats God’s declaration that He is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness. God is awesome and certainly treated the Israelites and us far better than we deserve. He is gracious and loving beyond measure. Those qualities could be contributing factors in His slow to anger temperament. When there is deep love, compassion and mercy, anger doesn’t happen so quickly.  

I perceive anger as a basic human emotion that often occurs when personal boundaries are crossed or expectations are not met. The degree to which a person experiences the anger may be dependent on their past experiences, level of irritation, or even current health issues. God is our best example in how to deal with anger. Be slow—think things through. Listen to council of wise people—of course you have to choose to associate with wise people, not jerks. Have compassion and mercy for others—not insisting on your own way. Your idea may seem best to you—but that doesn’t mean that it is right for everyone. Humbling thought. 

Prayer ~ Thank You, Lord for being merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. You are the best. Change me from a prickly pear cactus into a beautiful rose…with only a few protective thorns.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5

© 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.