Evil Spirit

When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.  Matthew 12:43-45

When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.  Luke 11:24-26

An evil spirit. That is real—though we may not actually “see” it. Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus…addressing all Christians through all time and that include us today.

Helmet of Salvation and the Word of God.

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 6:12-18. 

Evil spirits may not be tormenting people—like the demon possessed men that Jesus healed in Luke 4:31-37 and Luke 8:26-39, but sinful, rebellious attitudes and evil desires today could be attributed to satanic influence in a person’s life. Today would have been my sister’s birthday—but twenty-seven years ago she was killed in what I call a domestic violence attack on her life when she was shot by her ex-husband, Ron. Her two daughters and new husband were also killed. Her ex-husband at one time had declared himself to be atheist—not believing in God. Jesus has said that whoever is not for Him is against Him (Luke 11:23), so Ron was against Christ—thus for Satan. That evil influence in his life ultimately robbed my family of my sister and her family. Was there more than one demon in Ron? Who knows? It only took one weak man with a big gun and a few minutes to kill four people and then himself. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. BANG! It was over. Was the evil spirit gone then? What happens when there is no body for it to inhabit? In one of Jesus encounters the demons asked to go into a herd of swine and then the swine went over a cliff into the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:26-39.)

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. Put on your armor every day. Stay protected. You wouldn’t go out in the hot sun without a hat or sunscreen, so don’t go into your day without protection of God’s Word. 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus Christ, You are my rock, my fortress, and my savior. You are my God and my rock, in whom I find protection. You are my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. You are my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I call on You LORD, because You are worthy of praise, and You save me from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:2-4.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 59-63

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

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

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

Divided Kingdom

Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, "This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?" But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons." And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. "If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? "If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. "Or how can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Matthew 12:22-30 NASB

The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons." And He called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished! But no one can enter the strong man's house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house." Mark 3:22-27 NASB

And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons." Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven. But He knew their thoughts and said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder. He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters." Luke 11:14-23 NASB

Storm Clouds in the Heavenly Kingdom?

Three accounts of Jesus’ parable about the Divided Kingdom. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. War within the household is sure to cause the walls of the home to crumble. There are countless examples of this in the Old Testament with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah—the Northern and Southern nations that made up the Promised Land. When a king fell from power or died then all of his family and followers were often killed. Brutal. Look around you. Do you see that families that have conflicts that they can’t resolve often deteriorate to the point of divorce? The walls of that family unit crumble…and with neglect or abuse the relationships between the parents and between children and parents suffer. A family divided cannot stand. Life is tough. Do they need tough love…or just old fashioned respect? There is not just one answer…every person and family unit is different—but love and respect are still the key elements in healthy relationships. Love one another—put others first. Those are Jesus’ teachings—not my ideas.  

I’ve often thought about Jesus’ statement… He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters. That is a moment by moment choice…to stand with Jesus. That is important since Jesus also taught…

Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

I don’t want to stand before the Heavenly Father someday and have Jesus say…I don’t know her! Everyone has a choice to make…moment by moment…to follow Jesus—to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Are you with Jesus or against Him?

Prayer ~ Jesus—I want to gather my family and friends together with You that we may serve You and honor You and our Heavenly Father in all that we do. Please help us all to choose to follow You—that we would not be scattered about abandoned, forlorn, and neglected.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 54-58

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

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

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

Abba’s Revenge

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD. Romans 12:19 NLT

Revenge—to punish someone for something they did to you. Revenge may seem like a sweet way to end an argument or avenge a wrong…but is it? Will it just result in…bitterness—separating us from God? In regret? In more retaliation or more revenge on us for our actions? According to God’s word, let Him handle the injustice. He promised…"I will take revenge; I will pay them back." Abba Father can handle it. Revenge is not sweet. It will leave a bitter taste in your mouth and soul. Forgiveness gives a sweet taste—a release to one’s very soul and body. 

T

Seek the purity of forgiveness rather than revenge.

here is an interesting passage in Revelation that gives us an example of God’s revenge for martyrs.

When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. Revelation 6:9-11

Rest a while. No revenge. 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give us grace to choose not to seek revenge, but to choose to forgive and allow God to punish those who have offended us.

[Recycled from July 19, 2015.] 

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 49-53

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

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

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

Feast Invitations

Then He (Jesus) turned to His host. "When you put on a luncheon or a banquet," He said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you." Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, "What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!" Luke 14:12-15

What a blessing it will be to attend a Banquet in the Kingdom of God! Do you plan your menu considering who you are inviting? Would it make any difference to your menu if you were inviting the mayor, your next door neighbor or a homeless person? Healthy eating is good for everyone—whether they are in good health or not. Somehow eating good food also boosts a person’s attitude so that they are spiritually more attuned, too. God was so wise in guiding the Israelites as they went through the desert on the way to the Promised Land. They may have complained about not having enough food—but the manna He provided must have been nutritionally complete and met the needs of their bodies. We don’t have manna today—but we have such an immense variety of foods in this summer season—and all through the year at our local grocery stores. We are blessed. 

Prayer – Thank You God—for manna—and for all the variety of foods You provide for us. Help us to serve others and invite them to enjoy Your bounty.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings19; Psalms 48, 80, 135

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The Four New Food Group includes: Vegetables, Fruits, Legumes, and Whole Grains. These were introduced by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in 1991. Here’s the number of servings we should have per day to provide our bodies with antioxidants to ward off infections and cancer, as well as adequate protein and nutrients to provide for healthy growth.

Fruits - 3 or more servings of ½ to 1 cup

Vegetables – 4 or more servings of 1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked

Legumes (beans, peas and lentils) – 3 or more ½ cup cooked beans, ¼ cup bean spread, 3 oz tofu

Whole Grains – 6 or more ½ cooked, ¾-1 cup dry cereal, 1 slice of bread, ½ tortilla (bagel = 4 servings)

The idea behind these new food groups is that meat and fat affect the hormones in our bodies and cause cancer and inflammatory diseases. Can you live without meat? I’m not sure that I am totally ready to give up meat. Maybe I’ll occasionally add fish to my menus for a while. The Omega-3s in fish are essential.  

The fiber in all the fruits and vegetables, as well as the legumes, is also highly beneficial for removing toxins from our bodies. The basic new four food group diet without meat is lacking in Vitamin B12 so it is suggested that anyone following this eating regime include a good multivitamin that contains Vitamin B12.  Information from The Cancer Survivor’s Guide by Barnard and Reilly.

Considering these food groups a menu for a “banquet” could include a quinoa sweet potato salad with black beans and chickpeas topped with a mango salsa. Serve that up in large romaine lettuce leaves. For dessert, how about some freshly sliced watermelon since it is in season now. My mouth is watering just thinking about that watermelon. A nice watermelon drink. So cool and refreshing since it is nearly 100 degrees today!

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

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

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

Dishonest Manager

Jesus told this story to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer's money. So the employer called him in and said, 'What's this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.' "The manager thought to himself, 'Now what? My boss has fired me. I don't have the strength to dig ditches, and I'm too proud to beg. Ah, I know how to ensure that I'll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.' So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, 'How much do you owe him?' The man replied, 'I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.' So the manager told him, 'Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.' 'And how much do you owe my employer?' he asked the next man. 'I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,' was the reply. 'Here,' the manager said, 'take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.' "The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.

Here's the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. Then He said to them, "You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God."  Luke 16:1-15 

Running out of time or money?

Seek God First.

The promise… You cannot serve both God and money. That is the bottom line—God needs to be first in your life...in my life. This dishonest manager was shrewd. Should he be an example for us? I don’t think so. The rich man may have admired the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd—but I for one don’t want to be like him. We are to be honest, pure, loving and faithful. That dishonest manager did not have those qualities. He certainly wasn’t honoring God…or his employer with his attitude or actions. He loved money—even money that didn’t belong to him and it got him fired. So he covered his back by cheating his boss out of even more that was due to him. What a guy! He made himself even more detestable in God’s sight, but that didn’t seem to matter. His lesson is to use the resources at hand to make friends. Is that showing love to God—to use money to win friends and influence others? Using other’s money like that manager did was a dishonest activity. It is just not right—not ethical—and God knows a person’s heart. There it is. Put God first—and the right things in life will fall in line. 

"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-34 NASB  

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, I want to always put You first. Guard my heart that I would seek to live an ethical life that is pleasing and honoring to You. 

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 44-48

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

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

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

Like Children

"To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't mourn.' Matthew 11:16-19

"To what can I compare the people of this generation?" Jesus asked. "How can I describe them? They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.' Luke 7:31-32

That generation during Jesus’ life on earth doesn’t seem much different from this current generation. Complaining? Complacent? Distracted? Self-centered? Just focused on being entertained or on the current political situation. We should be fans…but fans who are fanatical about Jesus—about being His disciples and going out to spread His word. Living our best to show how Jesus changes our life.

What is Jesus’ promise in this scripture? People are like children. Not responsible…innocent…but loved.

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, He was angry with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Then He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 .    

 Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, may others see You in us—not as children playing games—but as joy filled followers of You helping others.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 40-43

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

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

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

Bread of Life

Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent." They answered, "Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, 'Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now He offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Sir," they said, "Give us that bread every day." Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven't believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day." John 6:29-39

Give us this day our daily bread…Matthew  6:11. Jesus is the Bread of Life…spiritual bread that provides eternal life.

Jesus goes on to explain that He is the Bread of Life.

"I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh." John 6:48-51 NASB

During His last supper with His disciples Jesus gave thanks and shared part of that Passover Meal in a way that we now commemorate as the ordinance of Communion.

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood." Luke 22:19-20 NASB

Jesus body…the broken bread…given for us. He was the sacrificial lamb of the Passover. Sacrificed for our sins. His body and blood shed for us provided the opportunity for eternal life. He is the Bread of Life that we would never be spiritually hungry again. His promise that He will never reject them—never reject us—is such a comforting, loving promise. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us. What more can we do than simply believe in Him? Give us this day our daily bread.

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You. You are the Bread of Life for me—and I praise You.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76

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

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

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

Barren Fig Tree

Then Jesus told this story: "A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, 'I've waited three years, and there hasn't been a single fig! Cut it down. It's just taking up space in the garden.' "The gardener answered, 'Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.'"  Luke 13:6-9 

My sweet husband gave me a fig tree this summer for my birthday! Already we have been so blessed with a few ripe figs—small, but very tasty! I am thrilled since I love figs! My Grand kiddos have been equally excited about picking and eating them! I can image how disappointed this man was at not having any figs on the tree when he was hungry for figs…and the tree was barren. Three years seems like a long time to wait for figs…or any fruit.  

This parable isn’t really about figs…but the fig tree represents the nation of Israel and the story is about being spiritually fruitful. Jesus spoke right before this about repenting. He wanted the Jews to be obedient. Repent or perish (Luke 13:5). He was giving them another chance. According to the Biblical commentator Matthew Henry, this fig tree is grown in a garden well-tended by the gardener. The church of God is the garden and we are the fig trees planted in that garden. He expects us to produce fruit—giving Him glory and honor. Three years the owner, God, came and found no fruit. That is very sad. No fruit—no honoring God. Are we like that? God wanted the tree cut down, but the gardener, Jesus, wanted to give that fig tree another year—another chance. That’s our Lord Jesus—the giver another chance. Giving us special attention so that we can use our opportunities to honor the Heavenly Father—to produce fruit. Are you producing fruit? The fruit of the Spirit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

Let the Holy Spirit work in your life…produce His fruit. 

Prayer ~ Lord, may Your Grace be evident in my life and change me—that I would honor You in everything I think, say and do.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 35-36

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

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

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

Are You Watching and Waiting?

No one knows the hour...or the day of Christ's return.

"However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! "The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don't know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!" Mark 13:32-37

Watch out! We don’t know the hour or the day when Christ will return. Only the Heavenly Father knows when He will send His Son, Jesus Christ, back for His church. Be prepared. Jesus tells us over and over…be prepared…be alert…keep watch. The Heavenly Father has promised that His Son will return to earth and Jesus confirmed that when He said…I will.

"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." John 14:1-3 NASB

This parable tells about a man going on an extended trip who told his servants to work while he was gone and to watch for his return. We are to do the same as we wait for Christ’s return. Work and watch. The Lord doesn’t want us to be lazy. We need to work for Him and being able and willing to work is such a gift no matter what the age. Work, but don’t get so over committed that you fail to keep watch or be prepared for Christ’s return.  

Are you watching and waiting? Are you prepared spiritually and physically? Will Christ’s return even be our lifetime? 

Prayer ~ Lord, open our eyes that we would be prepared for Your return. Help us to witness in such a way that we would draw others to You thus enlarging Your church…on earth as it is in heaven.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 31-34

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

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

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

Are You Looking for Hidden Truths?

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES; I WILL UTTER THINGS HIDDEN SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD." Matthew 13:34-35 NASB

 Teach me by the Sea of Galilee

Jesus often used scripture from what we call the Old Testament…but that was the Bible of the Jews during His time on earth. This passage is from Psalms was probably well known to the people of Galilee who were known to be Bible scholars. Jesus was sitting by the Sea of Galilee while He was speaking in parables (Matthew 13:1-2).

O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Psalm 78:1-7   

Jesus promised…I will…to speak in parables teaching hidden lessons from stories that all Jews knew. The disciples were even bewildered about the parables and asked Him to explain the stories to them. Hidden truths. Do we see those in our culture today? Are we looking for them? Can we still learn from Jesus’ parables? Of course. As we study the parables we can gain insights not only into life at Jesus time, but truths about our world and life today. Start searching the parables in Matthew, Mark and Luke for yourself. Jesus promised… I will teach you hidden lessons from our past. Are you willing to learn from these old stories? I am—and I am eager to dig into His Word to find new truths to apply to my life.

Here’s a list of Jesus’ parables. [From Jesuscentral.com]
Alert Servants - Mark 13:33-37
Barren fig tree (Repent or Perish) - Luke 13:6-9
Bread of Life - John 6:31-38
Children - Matthew 11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35
Dishonest Manager - Luke 16:1-13
Divided Kingdom - Matthew 12:24-30; Mark 3:22-27 Luke 11:14-23
Evil Spirit - Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 11:24-26
Faithful and Unfaithful Servants - Matthew 24:45-51, Luke 12:35-48
Feast Invitations - Luke 14:12-14
Friend at Midnight - Luke 11:5-13
Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-31
Great Banquet - Luke 14:15-24, Matthew 22:1-10
Great Physician - Matthew 9:10-13; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:29-32
Growing Seed - Mark 4:26-29
Hidden Treasure - Matthew 13:45-46
How to be a Guest - Luke 14:7-11
Jesus and Fasting - Matthew 9:14-15; Mark 2:18-20; Luke 5:33-35
King's War - Luke 14:31-33
Lamp on a Stand - Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 4:21-23; Luke 8:16-18
Leaven - Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20-21
Lesson from a Fig Tree - Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-32; Luke 21:29-33
Lost sheep - Luke 15:4-7, Matthew 18:12-14
Mustard Seed and Yeast - Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19
New and Old Treasures - Matthew 13:52
New Cloth - Matthew 9:16; Mark 2:21; Luke 5:36
New Wine - Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-39
Net of Fish - Matthew 13:47-50
Official who Refused to Forgive - Matthew 18:21-35
One Coin - Luke 15:8-10
Renters of a Vineyard - Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-18
Shepherd and His Flock - John 10:1-18
Workers in Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16
Wedding Banquet - Matthew 22:1-14, Luke 14:16-24
Persistent Widow - Luke 18:1-8
Pharisee and Tax Collector - Luke 18:9-14
Rich fool - Luke 12:16-21
Rich man and Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31
Salt and Light - Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34-35
Servant's Duty - Luke 17:7-10
Sheep and Goats - Matthew 25:31-46
Sign from God - Matthew 12:38-42; Luke 11:29-32, Mark 8:12
Two Debtors - Luke 7:41-43
The Farmer - Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 8:4-15
The Lost Son - Luke 15:11-32
Ten Servants - Luke 19:11-27, Matthew 25:14-30
Two Sons - Matthew 21:28-32
Ten Talents - Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-27
Ten Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13
True Vine - John 15:1-17
Unprepared Builder - Luke 14:28-30
Weeds Among Wheat - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Wise and Foolish Builders - Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49
Wise Steward - Luke 12:42-48

These are 53 parables that we can look at and study together for the next couple of months.

Prayer ~ Jesus, open our eyes, ears and heart to understanding Your words. Guide us into clearly understanding and applying Your teachings to our lives.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 28-30

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

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

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

Rest for Your Soul

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NASB 

Are you tired today? Just plain worn-out—physically, emotionally or spiritually? Jesus is inviting anyone to draw near to Him…and He promises to give rest. Eight hours should be enough sleep for most people, although twelve hours is essential for small children. Teenagers seem to need those twelve hours also—but theirs may go from midnight to noon. Ah the lazy days of summer. Our souls, as well as our bodies, do need rest from time to time. When was the last time that you took time to find rest for your soul?

Look Up. Find Rest for Your Soul.

Seattle Space Needle - pointing to Heaven.

Let the Spirit renew you—from the inside out. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10. Renewal is a necessary thing. We all get beaten down, discouraged, drained, depressed or just plain tired sometime. We need renewal—revitalization. There used to be big tent revivals—and then city wide revivals…now we just have an occasional sermon that refreshes us…or a retreat that gives us a renewed outlook. We need to devote ourselves to getting refreshed. I need that right now—so how do I get renewed? A couple of times I’ve gone on a half-day of prayer by myself and that was the very thing I needed. Time away from others…just God and me. He refreshed my soul—reminding me that He created me and that He wants me to be pure—even holy—so that I can stand before Him. He can only have purity in His presence. I don’t want Him to turn me away. I want to be holy.

How about you? Are you presenting yourself as a living sacrifice to God? Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please do create in me a clean heart and renew my spirit—my very soul that I would be pleasing to the Heavenly Father. I present myself a living sacrifice. I worship You ~ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy of all my praise. 

Daily Bible Reading: Hosea 8-14 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table    

Once again…at my oldest Grandgirl’s request… I’d like to share my Dad’s favorite recipe. He always had some of these cookies baked and ready for the grandkids…and all of us…when we came to visit. Molasses is a superfood that has some iron in it that should be good for our blood…carrying oxygen and giving us energy. Good rationalization for a reason to take a couple of more cookies! Rest and enjoy. 

Grandpa Reuben’s Molasses Crinkles

2¼ cups flour

1 tsp soda

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

½ tsp cloves

1 cup brown sugar

¾ cup oil

1/3 cup blackstrap unsulphured molasses

1 egg

Granulated sugar 

Stir together dry ingredients and set aside.

Cream brown sugar, oil, molasses and egg. Mix in the dry ingredients. Shape into balls. Dip into granulated sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees, 8-12 minutes. Do not over bake. Makes 4½ to 5 dozen. Store in a Tupperware container. Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

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

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

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

Stand Up for Your Friend

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:28-33 NASB 

Stand up for your friends.

Have you ever stood up for a friend or had a friend stand up for you?  That is just what Jesus is saying He’ll do for anyone who confesses—declares that Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, the Son of God. What a promise—He will acknowledge us to God the Father. “Hey, Abba, Poppa—this is my good friend…who’s devoted to You and has told all their family, friends and neighbors about You.” Can you just hear Jesus declaring your name to our God? Only if…you have declared His name before others. That’s where salvation begins…by declaring that the Lord your God, He is God (Joshua 2:11). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10.

Being denied is like being rejected and feeling unloved. Everyone wants to feel loved. How’s your level of feeling loved lately. High or low? I hope that you are not feeling rejected by God…or others. Stand up for your friend, Jesus. He will stand up for you. You are valuable to Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, my heart's desire and my prayer to You God is for the unsaved in Israel…for their salvation, from Romans 10:1 NASB. And for the unsaved…around the world and in my neighborhood. May my life and my words reflect the fact that You are God—the one true God of Heaven and earth.

Daily Bible Reading: Hosea 1-7

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

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

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

Immediate Response

Modern Fisherman at the Sea of Galilee

Casting his net.

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. Matthew 4:18-23 NASB

Jesus promised those fishermen that He would make them fishers of men. He was giving them the opportunity to become His disciples…followers of Himself. Those fishermen likely had heard about Jesus and His baptism. His powerful healing ministry began right after He called His first disciples. At Jesus’ invitation and promise, I will, those fishermen responded…Immediately. They didn’t hang around and finish their day of fishing, mending their nets or saying so long to their Dad. They dropped what they were doing and went with Jesus. They got to be with Jesus as He began His teaching, preaching and healing ministry. What a great opportunity for them. We can only read about it now…but we can still respond, like those fishermen more than 2,000 years ago. We can follow Jesus and become fishers of men. There is a song that children are still learning…I will make you fishers of men, if you follow me. What does it mean to “follow” Jesus today? To be like Jesus—showing love, kindness, goodness, mercy and grace to those we live with and those we meet along the way. Jesus expects His followers to be obedient to His teachings and commandments. He also expects us to make disciples of others—to teach them to follow Jesus’ words and ways.

This scripture passage tells us of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. At the end of His ministry He tells His disciples…

Jesus came and told His disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 

Do you consider yourself a disciple…a follower…of Jesus Christ? Are you making disciples of others, teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, just like You taught and spoke with your followers on the Road to Emmaus, speak to me and open my mind to understand the Scriptures. From Luke 24:45. I want to follow You,  listen to You, obey your commands, and tell others about  power and glory . Great are You Lord, and greatly to be praised….Psalm 48:1. 

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 18; 2 Chronicles 29-31;  Psalms 48 

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

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

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

Just Say the Word

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, "Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain." Jesus said, "I will come and heal him." But the officer said, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, 'Go,' and they go, or 'Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, 'Do this,' they do it." When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to those who were following Him, He said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour. Matthew 8:5-13  

Just say the word…. That Roman officer totally believed in Jesus’ power to heal. Jesus didn’t even have to touch his servant…or be in the same room. Just say the word.

Do you have that kind of faith? When you pray do you just say the word asking, expecting and trusting Jesus to provide physical, spiritual or emotional healing to you, a family member, friend or neighbor? Your prayers may be more powerful than you realize. Faith—like that of the Roman officer—is the key. Ask, believe and you will receive. Isn’t that what Jesus said in one of His last discussions with His disciples.

You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:24

Message etched on an empty vessel in Jerusalem

As a believing Gentile I am excited about Jesus statement that many Gentiles will come and sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. Life centers around food—and so this Banquet with the King and His chosen people is going to be extra special. It gives my heart and my face joy just to think about that celebration. I anticipate that Roman officer and his servant will be at that feast also. I pray for those Israelites who were originally chosen—for whom the Kingdom was prepared—that they would choose to know Jesus as their personal Messiah. I don’t want any of them to be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Such sadness. An eternity of rejection and loneliness.  Please pray for them. No one should have to endure eternity without God. 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, please reveal Yourself to the Israeli people that they would know You as their Messiah. They are so blessed to have been chosen—may they know You as their Savior, Redeemer and Friend.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 23-27 

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

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

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

I Just Don’t Know How to Pray….

But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:25-27 NASB 

Statue at Capernaum Israel

The Message describes groaning very clearing as wordless sighs… Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. Romans 8:26 The Message. How many times have you been at a loss for words when you are praying? That has certainly been my experience when praying for myself and for dear friends who are going through terrible circumstances. That’s when I’ve found myself praying in the Spirit—He gives me the words to say. Turning my aching groans into very comforting words. The Spirit intercedes for us. Read Romans 8:34… Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and He is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading (interceding) for us. NLT. We are uniquely blessed! We have Jesus Christ AND the Holy Spirit both interceding for us. Even in times—or especially—of trial and distress we can be assured that our prayers are being taken to the Father in a mighty way. Do you trust the Lord…the Holy Spirit…with your prayers even when you don’t know what to say? 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—know my heart and hear the groaning of soul. I trust you to speak to the Father for me…and for my family and friends. May all that I think, say and do be acceptable to You, God—for I live to please You.

[Recycled from September 24, 2015]

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 18-22

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

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

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

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

First Love

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:18-19 NASB

Do you remember your first love? Their face is probably imbedded into your brain somewhere! 

Do you remember how you felt about Jesus the first time you heard about Him? Or what is your earliest memory of Jesus…or church? I remember story time in the nursery before I turned five and got to go to the Kindergarten classroom…and then Vacation Bible School when I was only five or six years old. But my most important memory of Jesus was when I was in the sixth grade and we were studying the Lord’s Prayer. That was the first time that Jesus became really real to me. “Give us this day our daily bread.” He is the Bread of Life. We need to have Him in our lives every day. Thank you, Mrs. Howe, for teaching me that. Jesus as my “daily bread” has now been a lifelong quest. He is my spiritual food. No fear of starving as I search the scriptures. No fear—just knowing that He loved me even before I was born. What a promise…Jesus loves me. 

Teach that to your children, too. Jesus loves them. That song, “Jesus, Loves Me” is probably one of the best known songs—especially with my grandchildren. That along with songs I’ve made up for each of them…and of course, Silent Night.

Lord – I Love You. The song maybe “Jesus Loves Me,” but this is my song to You.

“I love Jesus, yes I do, for He’s strong and always true.

He will guide us through this day, show us that He’s The Way.

Yes. I love Jesus. Yes. I love Jesus. Yes. I love Jesus, because He first loved me.”

[Recycled from January 6, 2013]

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 13-17

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

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

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

God Promised to Live Among the Israelites…and Never Leave Them

Temple Model in Jerusalem

Then the LORD gave this message to Solomon: "Concerning this Temple you are building, if you keep all my decrees and regulations and obey all my commands, I will fulfill through you the promise I made to your father, David. I will live among the Israelites and will never abandon my people Israel." So Solomon finished building the Temple. 1 Kings 6:11-14

What a wonderful promise that God made to David and to Solomon. He would live with them—the people of Israel—but not just with them but among them. I can imagine God walking and talking alongside the Israelites in His Temple in an intimate relationship with the promise that He would never abandon them. I think that is what God desired from His chosen people—to have a relationship with each of them like He had with Adam and Eve before their fall. There are expectations associated with a relationship. God told Solomon that he needed to follow all God’s decrees and regulations and obey all His commands. Solomon thought he could live up to God’s expectations, so he finished building the Temple. At that point in his life he was obedient to God and his commandments.

Are people today much like Solomon—wanting to obey God’s commandments? Are you like Solomon?

Prayer ~ Lord, help me be obedient to You and to Your commandments.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17

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

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

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