The Lord is Not Slow

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with t

he Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 NASB

God doesn’t want anyone to perish—to spend eternity in hell. But everyone makes their own choices—including where they will spend eternity. If we don’t choose to follow God—His ways, His commands—and accept His gift of eternal life with Him, then we get the alternative—eternity WITHOUT God. He is faithful to hear our prayers…and as this scripture today tells us…He is patient. When the time comes for Him to call His chosen people home to Heaven, the time of patience will end. The door will close, just like in the parable of the bridegroom.

Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the prudent answered, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:1-13 NASB

Don't run out of oil in your lamp.

That oil represents the Holy Spirit in your life. 

Are you "full" of the Spirit? Be ready.

We don’t know the hour or the day…so always be ready for Christ’s return. Some people have predicted that today will be the day since the shofar horn will be blown at the end of the last Yom Kippur service, signifying the end of the fast for Yom Kippur, the end of Shabbat, in this year of the Jubilee it announces the freedom of slaves and return of land to the original owners. Starting over…just like with repentance, we start fresh with God. Forgiven, cleansed of all unrighteousness. Do you feel that during this time of the convocation of rest denoted by the blowing of the trumpets (referred to as the Festival or Feast of Trumpets) and the Day of Atonement (also known as Yom Kippur) you have sought repentance and received renewal?  

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, Set our hearts right with You. Give peace, strength and hope to those who so desperately need it. Life and death are just part of our existence…and  as we listen constantly and patiently wait  for that shofar horn blast, my Your love surround us and flow through us to others.

Daily Bible Reading: Malachi

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

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

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Rest – No Work

"Be careful to celebrate the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of that same month—nine days after the Festival of Trumpets. You must observe it as an official day for holy assembly, a day to deny yourselves and present special gifts to the LORD. Do no work during that entire day because it is the Day of Atonement, when offerings of purification are made for you, making you right with the LORD your God. All who do not deny themselves that day will be cut off from God's people. And I will destroy anyone among you who does any work on that day. You must not do any work at all! This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation wherever you live. This will be a Sabbath day of complete rest for you, and on that day you must deny yourselves. This day of rest will begin at sundown on the ninth day of the month and extend until sundown on the tenth day." Leviticus 23:27-32

God values rest. He created the heavens and the earth, plants, animals and people in six days and then He rested. He expects us to do the same. Rest. That is even one of His Ten Commandments.

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11

God is pretty serious about keeping this day sacred, holy and restful. No work. He decreed that He… will destroy anyone among you who does any work on that day (Leviticus 23:30). That is very specific and since He gave that as a warning—if someone disobeyed they could expect to have their life ended. Would that make you not work on Yom Kippur? Great deterrent for any workaholic.

The shofar is blown at the end of the final service in the synagogue on Yom Kippur, some say to represent the closing of heaven gates or the temple’s gates. It also is significant of the reconciliation with God and with others that has taken place…or should have…in the last ten or more days.

Prayer ~ Lord, may we rest in Your presence today—humbly seeking Your mercy in our lives. Thank you for hearing our prayers.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 126

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

This is a holy day—the Day of Atonement. God commanded the Israelites not to work and they must fast—abstain from eating. No food today.

As you come off the fast tomorrow—break-fast, consider what soft nourishing foods you will eat. How do you like your eggs? Scrambled, poached, fried—over easy, boiled—soft or hard, or baked in an avocado? There are so many fresh fruits and melons available now. So dish up some fruit and eggs to break your fast. 

© 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.

Atonement

On the tenth day of the appointed month in early autumn, you must deny yourselves. Neither native-born Israelites nor foreigners living among you may do any kind of work. This is a permanent law for you. On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the LORD's presence from all your sins. Leviticus 16:29-30

Can you wash away your sin?

Ritual hand washing station at a Jerusalem hotel.

A permanent law or statute. Can’t change it. God decreed it. That’s the way it is. Don’t work—just worship and honor God—atone for your sins for the year. That is what this Holy Day of Yom Kippur is all about—purification from the sin. Note that it says “you will be purified in the LORD’s presence from all your sins.”  This isn’t something that people can do for themselves. The Lord God purifies us—He removes the sin. That is atonement. But we have to come to Him, admitting our mistakes and humbly seeking forgiveness. Prepare your heart daily—continually praying to the Lord. Paul wrote such advice to the church at Thessalonica.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NASB

Pray continually and stay away from anything evil. Good advice then…and today. Are you seeking atonement?

Prayer – Lord God, strengthen us to continually be in conversation with You that we would be in Your presence and in that we would stay away from evil. We praise You for Your plan for our lives that we can stand before You one day, holy and pure. Atoned of our sin.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 8-10

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

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

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Do You Have Hope?

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NASB

Mount Of Olives

The Dead in Christ Shall Rise First

Comfort? Those words cause an unsettling in some people. Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one may find comfort in that those who have died believing in Jesus are “fallen asleep in Jesus” and they will be resurrected—they will rise. Listen. Will you hear the trumpet sound?  Did you see the words of verse 14…if we believe that Jesus died and rose again...? That word IF is a loaded word. If we believe that Jesus died and was resurrected…then…those who have died—fallen asleep in Jesus will we will be “caught up.”  Those who are still alive will be “caught up” with those sleepyheads. Thirty some years ago I went to a revival in which a chalk artist did a large picture depicting a Biblical event. Once the chalk painting was done he would turn on a black light and illuminate the painting. There would be a hidden picture that usually involved believers in white robes going up into the air. Being “caught up” and going to heaven. It was exciting to consider that we could be together with those who were resurrected from their gravesites or that could be caught up with them. We are admonished by Jesus to “be ready”—be prepared. What are you doing to honor Jesus with your life?

Prayer ~ Lord God—help us to be prepared as we go about our daily lives—much like the people of Noah’s age.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 6-7

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

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

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Is Fear Keeping You From Sleeping?

If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands ...I will give you peace in the land, and you will be able to sleep with no cause for fear. I will rid the land of wild animals and keep your enemies out of your land.  Leviticus 26:3, 6

Peace, peace wonderful peace. A peace that allows me to rest, just as David expressed in a Psalm that he wrote about trusting God.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8

Trusting God is really what it is all about. He has promised to keep the enemies and scary wild animals away. There was a cougar spotted only a few miles from my home last winter when it was unusually cold and snowy. The animal didn’t harm anyone…but it was likely very hungry as all the rabbits it customarily ate were hiding from the blustery weather. I’ve personally seen coyotes nearby three times in the last twenty years, but I’m not losing any sleep over having these animals in our vicinity. I worry more that they will get hit by a car and killed. Then how will the mouse population be controlled? There is an ecological balance when we have natural predators. Balance gives peace—no fear—but does it give you restful sleep? Trusting in the Lord gives peace and fearless sleep. Ezekiel commented about living and sleeping securely when he wrote about a new covenant, the millennial kingdom and the Messiah.

I will make a covenant of peace with them and eliminate harmful beasts from the land so that they may live securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. Ezekiel 34:25 NASB

I’m not sure how many people really like to “sleep in the woods” but that is a favorite of mine. There is nothing like sleeping and waking under tall pine or fir trees, hearing the wind through their branches, and smelling the fresh mountain air. Add in a babbling brook and you have a recipe for a peaceful night’s sleep. 

Mt. Rainier - somewhere behind the clouds.

My hubby and I took a road trip up to the mountains yesterday—all the way to Mt. Rainier. It was fogged in—wrapped itself in a cloud. A mountain of that size, 14,411 feet high, creates its own weather. A friend of mine used to say that fog made her feel like Jesus was wrapping His arms around her. We certainly felt that presence of Jesus today. Being out in the wilderness reminds me of another depth of God’s creation. You can see God’s creation in the produce at the market, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, in newborn babies and in the stars in the night sky. But the quietness of a vast wilderness experience whether it is in the mountains, desert, or seashore provides another dimension of God’s creativity. Can you find His peace there? Can you find His peace in your heart no matter where you are? Do you have His peace to give you a restful night’s sleep?

Prayer ~ Lord God, provide me with a new revelation of your peace in my life so that I will lie down and sleep well, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. 

[Revised from February 25, 2017, Banquet With The King blog]

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1-5

© 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.

Egg on My Face

And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:14

So the Rapture didn’t happen this last weekend. I was duped into hoping that it would really happen. So I was wrong…and it is like I have egg on my face. How could I have been so gullible? When I was in my early twenties I read the popular book The Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey who predicted Christ’s imminent return—so I’ve been waiting forty years anticipating the rapture to happen in my lifetime. All the signs were in place…well most of the signs were in place. Some things like everyone in the world hearing about Jesus might not have happened yet. That is hard to judge—but it is all in God’s timing—not ours. So, like Jesus said…always be ready…Matthew 24:44. But I think it is imperative that we do what Jesus also commanded…

People from many nations - at the Wailing Wall.

Jerusalem

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. 

I am so proud of my grandson, Isaac, who was just baptized yesterday. As a new disciple he is destined for a life lived in obedience to God—practicing the presence of Jesus on a daily basis.

What are your priorities…your focus in life? 

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am so eager for the rapture to happen…but it maybe another thousand years! All in Your timing. As in Ephesians 6:18-19, I pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Help me to stay alert and be persistent in my prayers for all believers everywhere. And I ask for You to give me the right words so I can boldly explain Your mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. Thank You, Lord, for Your grace and patience with me.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 7-10

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

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

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Are You Like Sarah?

The LORD appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground. ... "Where is Sarah, your wife?" the visitors asked. "She's inside the tent," Abraham replied. Then one of them said, "I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!" Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent. Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children. So she laughed silently to herself and said, "How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?" Genesis 18:1-2, 9-12 

Are you like Sarah? Skeptical? Do you think God isn’t great enough to grant His promise? Sarah and Abraham were blessed with their son Isaac, just as God had promised and God continued to bless Abraham’s family—just as He had promised.

I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 26:4 

Remember God's Promises

What promises from God would you like to see Him fulfill in your life—with your family, friends, neighbors? What is your heart’s desire?

Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NASB

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 NASB

Is your desire for a home in Heaven?

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16 NASB

God is preparing a place for you—if you believe Jesus—the Son of God. Jesus promised His disciples…and us…that like the Jewish bridegroom, He is building a place for us in His Father’s heavenly home.

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 14:2-3 NASB

Do you trust Jesus to live up to His promises or like Sarah, do you have some doubts?

Prayer ~ In You God I boast all day long, and I give thanks to Your name forever. Psalm 44:8 NASB. I believe in You…and in the power that You have over all creation—in Heaven and on earth.

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 6-10

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

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

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Keep Watch

So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.  Matthew 24:42-44 

There are people saying that the Rapture will happen today…and others who say that it won’t happen this year. Jesus’ advice was to be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. What must we do to “be ready”? This is a spiritual battle—a spiritual realm. It won’t make any difference if we board up our houses, wash our clothes or prepare a big feast. What will matter is what matters to God. 

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. Romans 14:17-18

Will Grandma's glasses give us spiritual vision?

Keep watch and be prepared. Don’t let your spiritual guard down. Be alert.

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. Ephesians 6:12 

Are you ready for Christ’s return? 

Prayer ~ Lord, watch over us, help us to see any errors or weak areas of our lives and give us strength to change—to be more like You. May our lives be filled with the goodness, peace, and joy of the Holy Spirit—and may all that we think, say and do please You.

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 1-5

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

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

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No Rapture...Yet

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. When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. Matthew 24:36-41

There have been a lot of predictions lately that at this Feast of Trumpets the rapture of the church will occur. But it didn’t happen…yet…during this Feast of Trumpets—The Jewish New Year. When will it happen? No one knows for sure—only the Father. Jesus told us in this passage recorded in Matthew that when He returns life will be just part of a daily routine for everyone—like it was for people in Noah’s time. Look around now…people are just living their daily lives…shopping, going to work and school, cooking, cleaning, watching ball games, movies, and playing video games.

It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 1 Corinthians 15:52

Do you believe in the rapture? Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior and your Lord? Are you prepared for His return?

Prayer ~ Lord, People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. Ecclesiastes 9:12. Give me wisdom to be prepared for the day of Your return, Lord.

Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 10-14

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

During this Jewish New Year have you served up some apples and honey and wished your family and friends a sweet New Year? Be sure to enjoy that custom sometime today.

This is a great time to enjoy the last harvest of your garden or some good produce from local farmer’s markets and fruit stands. My husband has been fixing fresh smoothies or juices two or three times a day with produce we love and his new Vita Mix personal cup. It makes just enough for two medium sized servings—or one biggie. He’s experimented with lots of different fruits and vegetables—and clearly his basic recipe always includes celery. That is not something we grow…but he loves it. You can use any…and I mean—any—fresh or frozen fruits or veggies of your choice. Veggies and fruits that we like include: celery, spinach, tomatoes, carrots (cooked or raw), bell peppers (red, yellow or green in small amounts), apples, pears, melons, limes, oranges, nectarines, peaches, most berries (fresh or frozen), pineapple, bananas, and even seedless grapes. You might like to try adding mint, other herbs, kiwi, yogurt or peanut butter. Experiment and enjoy a healthy fresh food drink.

Jerry’s Fresh Food Juice

3 ribs of celery, chopped into inch-sized pieces

One whole ripe peach, chunk into bite sized pieces – discard pit

½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries or blackberries

1 to 1½ cups water, add ice if you want a frozen drink

Combine ingredients and blend in a Vita Mix or other blender until liquefied. Enjoy.

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

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

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May The Lord Bless You

The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NASB

During the Rosh Hashanah worshipers gathered for a group meal and together in unison recite this blessing…The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 NASB

What a wonderful blessing…the Lord’s face shine on you. That is what Moses experienced.

It came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the testimony were in Moses' hand as he was coming down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because of his speaking with Him. So when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. Exodus 34:29-30 NASB

Peace…God’s peace. Seek it with all your heart.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:4-8 

May the Lord bless you.

Prayer ~ Bless You LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless Your holy name. Bless You LORD, O my soul, and I will not forget Your benefits…. Psalm 103:1-2 NASB

Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 5-9

© 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.

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year

The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the LORD—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music. Hear me as I pray, O LORD. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "LORD, I am coming." Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me, O God of my salvation! Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close. Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done; with every breath they threaten me with violence. Yet I am confident I will see the LORD's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD. Psalm 27:1-14

This scripture from Psalm 27 is traditionally read in the synagogues on the Jewish New Year. 

The Lord is my light and my salvation. 

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my live…to behold the beauty of the Lord…and to meditate in His temple. Vs. 1, 4.

What is God's Time?

That is what I’m looking forward to…to live forever in the house of the Lord…in Heaven. But to be there…along with family and friends…we must be pure…have repentant hearts as Jesus required. We wait patiently for the Lord’s return—in God’s time. Is that soon? Repent. Be ready and listen for the sound of the trumpet. As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth:

What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:50-53

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus… Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path (Psalm 27:11). You are worthy of all praise and glory. I am listening for the sound of Your trumpet.

Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 1-4

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

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

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Crossroads of Civilization

"The time promised by God has come at last!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!" Mark 1:15 

Jesus announced this time…this promised time had come. He was walking in the Galilean region and then along by the Sea of Galilee. This was the beginning of His ministry. Why would He be calling people to “repent” and that “The Kingdom of God is near”? That was His main message—He was the Messiah—but people were not expecting a young carpenter and Rabbi to be their Messiah. They were expecting a political ruler that would save them from Roman oppression. Here was a Rabbi walking the dusty trails of Galilee calling people to repent. Jesus was with the people of Galilee. This was an area that was in the crossroads of civilization and most of the people there were literate. They knew the scripture. At this point in the Book of Mark, Jesus begins to call His disciples. Note that those fishermen that He called, James and John, didn’t hesitate—they immediately left their fishing boats and business and followed Him. You can be sure that they were repentant and followed Jesus with pure hearts. That is what Jesus expects—and requires of them and us—pure hearts that come with repenting. How’s your heart? Have you listened to Jesus—and repented as He asked?

Prayer ~ O God, Create in me a clean heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You. Psalm 51:10-13 NASB.

Daily Bible Reading: Haggai

© 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.

Glory Be to the Father

"Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 3:2

The word “repent” appears 44 times in the NLT; in 13 verses of the Old Testament and in 31 verses in the New Testament. Of those New Testament scriptures, 15 were recorded as quotes by Jesus. Repent. That was a major message from Jesus Himself. 

During this time of preparation for the New Year—for Rosh Hashanah—repentance is the key. It is a time to look back at the old year and identify sins, bad attitudes and hurtful ways and repent. A time to set things right with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and with God. Repent—to be sorry, to turn back, to restore, refresh or repair, to change one’s mind, and to abhor one’s past sins (as described in BLB Strong’s Lexicon). 

Repent…for the Kingdon of Heaven is near. The place where God has authority…where He lives or dwells. God is near. He has promised us that He will never leave us or forsake us…He is always near…His Kingdom is within us.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21 NASB 

Is Christ within you…in your heart and life? If not, seek Him until your find Him. Life with Him is eternal and worth the effort. 

Prayer ~ Glory be to Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…as it was in the beginning, may it now and ever shall be. World without End. Amen. May Your power, Lord, be within our hearts and minds always and may all that we think, say and do bring glory and honor to You.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137

© 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.

Act Now--Repent

Gather before judgment begins, before your time to repent is blown away like chaff. Act now, before the fierce fury of the LORD falls and the terrible day of the LORD's anger begins. Zephaniah 2:2

Don't Go Off into the Fog - Repent

Set Things Right

How is that repenting going? Atonement? Any regrets…any apologies? Time is flying by as usual. It is never too late to set things right with a family member, friend or neighbor. But time may run out. Life changes so quickly. Life is unpredictable. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow or next week. Health issues, economic fluctuations and personal associations or transformations can occur anytime…and change the course of our lives. The only thing that is constant is God.

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 

God never changes. What an amazing thought. He is the same today as He was when He created the heavens and the earth…when He created Adam and Eve…when He led the Hebrew people from Egypt to the Promised Land…and when Jesus arose from the dead. The same. Just think how you’ve changed and evolved…and God hasn’t changed. He does have a fierce side—look at the example of His anger in scripture—against even His chosen people…and against those who treated His chosen people poorly. One of His greatest attributes is that He is slow to anger—that give us a good chance to change our attitudes, to repent before He strikes out in anger.

Then the LORD passed by in front of him (Abraham) and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth…. Exodus 34:6 NASB.

But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Psalm 86:15 NASB.

Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, My anger and My wrath will be poured out on this place, on man and on beast and on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground; and it will burn and not be quenched." Jeremiah 7:20 NASB.

Prayer ~ Lord God, please remember that I have repented…lots in the past few days. Thank you for never changing and for always hearing my prayers. You are an awesome God. I praise You, Your creation, and life—now and everlasting.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 1-3

© 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.

You’ve Heard It Before

You heard that I said to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. Now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe.  John 14:28-29  

Jesus said it before 'I go away, and I will come to you.'  He seemed to have to repeat Himself to the disciples. Go away…come back. He did go away…and we can claim the promise that Jesus is coming back. He told His disciples that He was coming back and this is described by Paul in 1 Thessalonians. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-10. We will live together forever. Jesus told us before t happens so that we would know and be prepared. In the Old Testament there are warnings to be prepared, too. Near is the great day of the LORD, near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! In it the warrior cries out bitterly. Zephaniah 1:14. In your concordance or Bible search engine, look for “listen,” “ears let him hear,” and “be ready.” Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. Matthew 13:43. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect. Luke 12:40. Be ready. How will you respond to Jesus’ teaching today? 

Prayer~ Jesus, help us to be ready…to help others to know You more deeply and desire to be ready, too. We need to be able to discern the signs of the times (Matthew 16:3), so open our eyes that we would see what is going on around us, and give us wisdom and understanding that we can apply Your Word to our lives.

[Recycled from May 24, 2014 Banquet With The King blog]

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 10-12 

© 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.

Get Your Ducks in a Row

Son of man, give your people this message: The righteous behavior of righteous people will not save them if they turn to sin, nor will the wicked behavior of wicked people destroy them if they repent and turn from their sins. Ezekiel 33:12 

Get Your Ducks in a Row

Are your ducks in a row? Are you prepared for anything that happens? Are all the details taken care of?

How many times must we hear the word “repent” before we actually do it? This time of preparation before the Feast of Trumpets is actually meant to give people time to set things right with other people and with God. The Pastor at the church I attend has been telling everyone for the last couple of years that they need to set aside past differences, forgive each other, make amends and start fresh. Why are people so hard hearted that they can’t humble themselves and ask for forgiveness or offer forgiveness? 

Right now there are lots of predictions that the rapture will happen soon. The planets and stars are nearing the proper projected alignment and it is time for the Feast of the Trumpets, which is the next prophetic feast to be fulfilled. Are you fully prepared for the events of the coming weeks? What’s going to happen? When will Christ return? No one knows when that will happen except God…God the Father. When His disciples asked when the end of the age and His return would happen, Jesus responded: 

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. Matthew 24:36

Jesus also said…You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:44

Are you ready…have you got your ducks in a row? 

Prayer ~ Lord God, Open our eyes to see You more clearly and apply Your teachings to our lives. Especially help us to be ready all the time—and to encourage others to do the same. Thank you that You have given us free will to choose to follow You. I choose to do just that...and to love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 7-9 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

As you get ready to celebrate the Feast of Trumpets be sure to have some apples and honey on hand. This is such a great time of the year with apple harvest beginning and so many varieties available.

Here in Washington State the top nine varieties are: Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Cripps Pink and Cameo, with my family’s favorite being the Honeycrisp. Personally, I like Pink Lady and Gala probably the best for just munching as a snack or for lunch. Mixing several varieties together is the best for a pie. During this Jewish New Year it is customary to serve apples dipped in honey. Of course, there are lots of different honeys available, too. To provide health benefits for allergies it is best to obtain honey from a local aviary. They may have several flavors to choose from depending on where the bees have been selecting their pollen—clover, alfalfa, wild flowers, or fireweed. Maybe apple blossom. 

To serve apples and honey at a Feast of Trumpets meal, simply slice the apples and dip in a shallow bowl of honey. You may want to dip the apples in lemon juice or salt water to keep them from turning brown if you must slice them far in advance of serving them. 

© 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.

Time to Work on Repentance

Celebrate the Festival of Trumpets each year on the first day of the appointed month in early autumn. You must call an official day for holy assembly, and you may do no ordinary work. Numbers 29:1  

A lot of people would love to celebrate with doing no ordinary work. Imagine if everyone followed this ordinance…life would just shut down for two days. Remember the Feast of the Trumpets, or Rosh Hashanah the beginning of the New Year, is a two day holiday because it won’t start until there is a new moon at sunset, Jerusalem time…and that couldn’t always be predicted. Now we have more accurate prediction of new moons—but the tradition of two days continues. The important thing about this holiday is that it is a call to repentance.

Time—lots of time—is spent in the Jewish synagogue reading the Torah and praying. The focus on this Festival is meeting with God in the synagogue, not family time at home. The Saturday before Rosh Hashanah Jews meet in small groups to study, pray and reflect on their relationships with each other and with God. Introspection is important to reveal flaws in one’s personality and to commit to change. In the synagogue services include prayers asking for forgiveness and scripture is repeatedly read about God’s merciful qualities as the Lord Himself proclaimed to Moses when He gave him the second set of stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. 

Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." Exodus 34:6-7 NASB

It blesses us to remember these attributes of God. 

Oregon Coast

One enduring custom that the Jews perform on is to throw bread crumbs into a nearby body of flowing water to symbolically cast off their sins on afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah. They even empty their pockets of lint—as though those were the sins that they carried with them.   

Repentance is the key. Jesus called people to repent—and we are still responsible for that in each of our own lives today.

Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:14-15 NASB 

Some of the Jews followed Jesus…and some did not. Everyone has a choice…then and now. How will you choose to respond? What will you do with the sin in your life?… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….Romans 3:23 NASB. The key is repent. Jesus also taught that whatever we ask for in His name we will receive. It makes sense to ask for forgiveness. Here’s my sin…I’m sorry…forgive me. Can you do that—with God and with others? 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, bring to my remembrance any way in which I have offended others or God. I cast all these sins away…into the depth of the deepest ocean…and ask for forgiveness. Thank you for hearing my prayer.

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 4-6

© 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.

Trumpets in Battle

When Gideon heard the account of the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, "Arise, for the LORD has given the camp of Midian into your hands." He divided the 300 men into three companies, and he put trumpets and empty pitchers into the hands of all of them, with torches inside the pitchers. He said to them, "Look at me and do likewise. And behold, when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. "When I and all who are with me blow the trumpet, then you also blow the trumpets all around the camp and say, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.'" So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just posted the watch; and they blew the trumpets and smashed the pitchers that were in their hands. When the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers, they held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands for blowing, and cried, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" Each stood in his place around the camp; and all the army ran, crying out as they fled. - Judges 7:15-21 NASB

Broken Pitchers like Gideon's Weapon

Another time of trumpets in Israel’s history. Gideon was called by God to lead the Israelites into battle. God helped Gideon choose 300 soldiers and then they did a really unusual tactical movement. Instead of using spears or other weapons, they used trumpets—ram’s horns or shofars—and pitchers which made a terrible racket when they were broken and released the bright light of the torches inside. Between the sound and flash of lights when the pitchers were broken and the wailing shofars the Midianites, confused and fighting themselves, were scared off. Israel won the battle.

God had a plan and Gideon and his troops carried it out. God has a plan for our lives and is there to help us in battle—especially in spiritual battles. But listen for the sound of the trumpet because God may be calling us to repent. He expects obedience—just like Gideon was obedient to God in the battle with the Midianites. Will you be obedient to God? What is He calling you to do?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You said that You would  bless the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and You bless all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3. Lord, I am listening to Your words—give me wisdom to hear not only what You say…but to understand what You mean. Then help me to obey like Gideon.

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 1-3

© 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.

Rebuilding the Wall – Sound the Trumpet

Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, "Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!" When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm. Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, "The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding. Then our God will fight for us!" Nehemiah 4:14-20

Rebuilding the City of David...

just as the people of Judah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.

The people of Judah were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, following their return from exile in Babylon. Nehemiah organized the people and they were making good progress, but their enemies the Horonites, the Ammonites, the Arabs were threatening them. That is where this passage of scripture comes in. Nehemiah told the workers, "Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for…you, your families and your homes.” Nehemiah only had to sound the alarm…the trumpet signal…and the workers would go from working on the wall to fighting their enemies, with God’s help. God will fight for us. The same goes for today…for us. God will fight for us. Life is a spiritual battle. Put on your armor, listen for the trumpet or sound the alarm.

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

Be strong in the Lord. Are you feeling strong today? Are you in the midst of rebuilding the wall of your spiritual fortress? Ask God for His help and be assured that God will fight your battle with you.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are going with me! You will fight for me against my enemies, and You will give me victory!' Deuteronomy 20:4. I praise You and give You  glory.

Daily Bible Reading: Joel

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

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

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