How Can I Describe the Kingdom of God?

Jesus said, "How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade." Jesus used many similar stories and illustrations to teach the people as much as they could understand. In fact, in his public ministry he never taught without using parables; but afterward, when he was alone with his disciples, he explained everything to them.  Mark 4:30-34

Jesus wanted people to know about the Kingdom of God—and so He told them stories. His public ministry was in parables—but straight talk privately with His disciples.

In the Old Testament the Greek word translated as parable is a metaphor, similitude, sentence of ethical wisdom or an ingenious comparison of two things. It is similarly translated from the Hebrew in the New Testament. Although Jesus uses the word parable frequently in the New Testament, it is used in very few places in the Old Testament.

…by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:6

Then I said, "Ah Lord GOD! They are saying of me, 'Is he not just speaking parables?'" Ezekiel 20:49 NASB

I sent my prophets to warn you with many visions and parables. Hosea 12:10

Are any of these bits of lost coins?  Israel excavation. 

Jesus taught the crowds of people using stories to which they could relate—ordinary objects like coins, sheep, seeds and light from oil lamps. He described people that they knew— neighbors, farmers, and shepherds. The settings for those stories included houses next door, fields nearby and wilderness areas. People could relate to each of those…but only those who were truly listening heard what Jesus was teaching. As you’ve read through Jesus’ parables do you understand the point of His stories before He explains them? Do you think they apply to life today? How about this one about the mustard seed?

When we were growing up my sister had a necklace with a mustard seed trapped inside a small ball of clear plastic. That was pretty fancy sixty years ago…but easy today. It wasn’t about the technology…but about this parable that Jesus taught. God can take small things and transform them into tremendously large, strong and useful things. He can do the same with our lives. We can be transformed into useful people for God. Keep on growing in the Lord…and for the Lord.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Prayer ~ Dear Jesus…For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light. You said…If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear (Mark 4:22-23 NASB) Open my ears, as well as my heart and mind to understanding Your Word.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 102-104

© 2018 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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Harvest Time? April 29, 2018

Jesus also said, "The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come."  Mark 4:26-29

The Old Testament book of Joel prophesies the end times and the harvest of souls that will take place at that time.

  -  Say to the nations far and wide: "Get ready for war! Call out your best warriors. Let all your fighting men advance for the attack. Hammer your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Train even your weaklings to be warriors. Come quickly, all you nations everywhere. Gather together in the valley." And now, O LORD, call out your warriors! Let the nations be called to arms. Let them march to the valley of Jehoshaphat. There I, the LORD, will sit to pronounce judgment on them all. Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread the grapes, for the winepress is full. The storage vats are overflowing with the wickedness of these people. Thousands upon thousands are waiting in the valley of decision. There the day of the LORD will soon arrive. The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine. The LORD's voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel. Joel 3:9-16

In the book of Revelation, John describes when the harvest time is to begin.

                                                  Clouds along the Rhine River 

   -  I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!" Then I saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was someone like the Son of Man. He had a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came from the Temple and shouted to the one sitting on the cloud, "Swing the sickle, for the time of harvest has come; the crop on earth is ripe." So the one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the whole earth was harvested. Revelation 14:13-16

Can you imagine the Son of Man--that is Jesus--sitting on a cloud beginning the harvest of mankind. Sickle in hand. One swoop and the whole earth was harvested.

   -  "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!" Mark 13:32-33

Are you ready on moment by moment basis for the time of harvest?

Prayer - Lord God...Prepare my eyes to see the coming end times, prepare my heart to be constantly repentant for my attitude and actions--that I would live to please You..but most of all, allow my ears to hear and my mind to understand Your Word, Your will and Your Way. 

© 2018 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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What Does This Parable Mean?

Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant. ... The farmer plants seed by taking God's word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God's word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God's word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" - Mark 4:10, 14-20 NLT

Have you ever considered God's Words like seeds? I see God as the farmer--the main owner of the farm--who gives his hired hands the seeds to plant. Those workers--Christians like you and me--are sprinkling--sowing--God's Words in people's hearts.

Some is carelessly thrown onto a busy path--where people are too busy with earthly things and activities to let God's Word really grow in their hearts and lives. Satan keeps them distracted from really living their lives for Christ. There is no place for the word of God to take root and grow in their hearts.

                                  Cobblestone street - Charleston, SC

Rocky soil--The people hearing God's Word during those times see hope--and are even joyful--but they aren't grounded in faith--they aren't seeking God with their whole heart. When they have problems they don't keep trusting God for very long.

Thorns--times of termoil and traumatic situations and worldly desires keep the hearts of these people from growing in the Lord--fruitless.

Good soil--the hearts of those who listen and obey God's Word. They grow in God's love and grace--and share the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. Many people come to know, love and grow in the Lord because of the encouragement of these people who listen and obey God. 

                            The key in each case is the hearts of the people.

In the Old Testament Hosea prophesied about the harvest in relation to the hearts of the people.

I said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.'  Hosea 10:12

How is your heart? Have seeds of righteousness been planted there and are you planting good seeds from God's word--His righteousness--in the hearts of others?

Prayer – Jesus--The time will come for the harvest as John wrote about in Revelation.

 - Then another angel came from the Temple and shouted to the one sitting on the cloud, "Swing the sickle, for the time of harvest has come; the crop on earth is ripe." Revelation 14:15

                      May the harvest be great and give glory to the Lord God almighty.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 81, 88, 92-93

© 2018 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 Know the Secret of the Kingdom of God?

Then he said, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant. He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled: 'When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand. Otherwise, they will turn to me and be forgiven.'" Then Jesus said to them, "If you can't understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?" Mark 4:9-13

Do you know the secret of the Kingdom of God? Jesus was revealing it to His disciples and other followers as He told them the parables—but some of them just didn’t get it. The Kingdom of God begins with forgiveness. This same forgiving is the wording that Jesus used in the Lord’s Prayer…

'And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ... For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. Matthew 6:12, 14-15 NASB

Jesus came from heaven to earth to be the sacrificial lamb—so that our sins could be forgiven. The Kingdom of God is a heavenly spiritual realm—created by God for an eternity with those who believe in Him…and in His Son, Jesus. This is illustrated by Jesus’ discussion with a Pharisee named Nicodemus.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." ... Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'" John 3:1-3, 5-7 NASB

Do you believe? Can you envision a spiritual realm—that you can be a part of one day…even today if you trust God to forgive you for your sins—past, present and future. Jesus has already died on the cross for those sins…so you just need to ask for forgiveness…and ask that Jesus blood, shed for you, cover your sins, washing them away.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, forgive me. "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword. Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 1:18-20 NASB

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 6

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

We recently had a wonderful bread dipping oil with pesto at BoneFish Grill. It was a great quality extra virgin olive oil with pesto. Try it for yourself at home with the recipe below.

Prepare about 1/4 cup fresh pesto (or use purchased pesto) using chopped fresh basil, parsley, garlic, thyme, oregano, black pepper, rosemary, fresh ground salt and pepper, red pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl.

Add:  

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil.

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve with sliced baguette bread. Enjoy before or during your meal.

© 2018 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 Listening?

Jesus taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: Mark 4:2

"Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn't have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!" Then he said, "Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand."  Mark 4:3-9

Where will you plant these grains of wheat?

Jesus used parables describing common things that His followers—His audience—could relate to like this one of the farmer sowing seeds. There near Capernaum where He was speaking people lived close to the land. If they weren’t farmers or fishermen themselves then they knew farmers or possibly planted their own gardens. I live in a rural area—although there are over 280,000 people in this collection of communities. There are farms nearby and it is easy to shop at a Farmer’s Market every day in the summer time. Now we can take a drive out into the farmland and see farmers working in their field—planting just like Jesus was describing this farmer in His parable, although using much more sophisticated equipment. Rocks, roads, weeds and flocks of birds are still problematic…and the sun will soon be hot here. There is also fertile soil—where the crops can thrive and grow.

Look at where the seeds landed. In a couple of days we’ll see what Jesus intended for people to hear.  Remember He said… Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. Are you listening? He didn’t say…look. Our eyes get us into trouble…but our ears allow us to hear God’s word…and obey.

Prayer ~ Jesus, give us ears to hear…and wisdom in our hearts and minds to listen and obey as we apply Your word to our lives.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 73, 77-78

© 2018 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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Bread of Life

Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables….  Mark 4:1-2

Parables. Were those used in the Old Testament?

-          A psalm of Asaph. 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. Psalm 78:1-4

-          Their purpose (The book of Proverbs) is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Proverbs 1:2-6

-          I sent my prophets to warn you with many visions and parables." Hosea 12:10

Parables in the Old Testament were more like stories passed down in the generations telling of the stories of ancestors describing their relationship to God and His wisdom. Jesus was building on the stories of the old days…ancient times. People then and now relate to stories. Maybe that is why so many pastors tell stories as part of their sermons. Stories draw us into the message…help us relate to what we are hearing. What is your story? How do you tell others about your relationship to God?

My favorite story of learning about God begins with a Sunday School class around a kitchen table at church where my Sunday School teacher described the “Give us this day our daily bread” from the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) as a spiritual bread…not physical bread…toast or sandwich bread. How do we get that spiritual bread? Read God’s Word. It is the bread of life. This was a spiritual awaking for me.

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. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:32-40

Do you believe in Jesus? Consider His words and His life. He is the bread of life. Feast on His words.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus…give us this day our daily bread.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 3-5

© 2018 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 Part of God’s Family?

Then Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him. They stood outside and sent word for him to come out and talk with them. There was a crowd sitting around Jesus, and someone said, "Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for you." Jesus replied, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" Then he looked at those around him and said, "Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:31-35

Wildflower - Balsam
Badger Mountain - Washington
Not a weed...but a wildflower. I'll adopted it. 

I have often heard the question…Did Jesus’ mother Mary have other children? It is very clear in this portion of scripture and in Matthew 13:55 that Jesus had natural brothers and sisters,

He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, "Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?" Then they scoffed, "He's just the carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers--James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?" Matthew 13:54-56

The books of Jude and James were written by two of those half-brothers. This scripture in Mark indicates that Jesus felt a kinship with the believers…and that is confirmed by Paul in Romans where our adoption is described. To be adopted by God is truly the most wonderful part of life for me. Knowing that I am accepted and appreciated for who I am…and I don’t have to work for acceptance or love. No matter what…God loves me and Jesus is my brother. Awesome. I am a part of God’s family.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:14-17

Are you a part of God’s family? Seek to know God…and call Him, Abba, Father.

Prayer ~ Abba, Father, You sent the Spirit of Your Son into my heart, so that I am no longer a slave to sin but Your own child. And since I am Your child, You have made me Your heir, adopting me as on of  Your very own children. Galatians 4:4-7. Thank You.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 43-45, 49, 84-85, 87

© 2018 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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Blasphemy

"I tell you the truth, all sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. This is a sin with eternal consequences." Mark 3:28-29

Blasphemy— as described by Strong’s definition at the Blue Letter Bible website—is vilification (especially against God), evil speaking, railing. It is clearly is evil speaking, slander, speech that is injurious to another’s good name, or irreverently speaking against God.

Jesus always speaks the Father God’s will. He doesn’t want the Holy Spirit to be blasphemed—and that is pretty high regard for the third part of the Trinity. You don’t often hear about the Holy Spirit and so I am impressed this directive against blasphemy is expressly focused towards the Holy Spirit. Misusing the name of the Lord is one of the Ten Commandments and we see David speaking up for God in Psalm 139—not wanting God’s enemies to blaspheme Him.

-          You must not misuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:7

-          O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. O LORD, shouldn't I hate those who hate you? Shouldn't I despise those who oppose you? Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. Psalm 139:19-22

Blasphemy is not to be taken lightly. Other sins can be forgiven…but NOT blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Are you careful about what you think and say?

Prayer ~  Lord God, I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11. Guard my heart above all else, for it determines the course of my life. Proverbs 4:23.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-2

© 2018 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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How Can Satan Cast Out Satan?

But the teachers of religious law who had arrived from Jerusalem said, "He's possessed by Satan, the prince of demons. That's where he gets the power to cast out demons." Jesus called them over and responded with an illustration. "How can Satan cast out Satan?" he asked. "A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man like Satan and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger--someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house. Mark 3:22-27

All of these comments that Jesus made to the religious leaders were right on.

-          A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse.  Look at nations involved in civil wars. Our own USA during the Civil War—it certainly had tough times and almost insurmountable problems. It was only by God’s grace that the nation continued.

-          A family that fights will fall apart. Look at failing families. Internal strife leads to failing marriages and failing families.

-          If Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive.

-          If someone breaks into the house of a strong man like Satan to steal from the owner, he can only do that if he ties up the homeowner and then robs his house. People don’t just walk in and take stuff—the homeowner will put up a fight.

Jesus was NOT Satan. Some people obviously thought so…but He proved that He wasn’t. How can Satan cast out Satan? Long story short…life went on and He proceeded to the cross and died for the sins of all mankind. Not everyone believes that Jesus is the Messiah…the Savior for all men. Everyone has a choice. Do you choose to believe in Him as your Savior…or not?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—You are pure, honest, righteous, forgiving and sinless. Only You can be the Messiah—the Savior—for all mankind. Satan cannot cast out Satan…and only a pure Savior could be the sacrifice for man. Thank You for being our Messiah—our Savior.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 6, 8-10, 14, 16, 19, 21

© 2018 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 to See to Believe?

Jesus went out to the lake with his disciples, and a large crowd followed him. They came from all over Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, from east of the Jordan River, and even from as far north as Tyre and Sidon. The news about his miracles had spread far and wide, and vast numbers of people came to see him. Jesus instructed his disciples to have a boat ready so the crowd would not crush him. He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him. And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, "You are the Son of God!" But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was. Mark 3:7-12

Crowds. More and more people were flocking to hear Jesus speak. I would go there if I were living at that time. Take a look at a map… Tyre and Sidon were a ways north on the Mediterranean Sea. Ieumea was a region, also known as Edom—where the family of Esau settled in earlier times. The distance to Capernaum was considerable considering that the followers were probably traveling by foot. The distance from those areas and cities mentioned are from Capernaum:

            To Jerusalem – 85 miles

            To Idumea (Beersheba)  – 130 miles

            To Tyre – 35 miles

            To Sidon 50 miles

Considering that someone could walk about 20 miles in a day you can see that it took those followers two to probably seven days to travel to see Jesus. Would you spend that kind of time and energy to travel to see anyone today? When was the last time you walked twenty miles? I know that ten years ago I walked 16 miles and then at least another five miles length in a two-day group relay race between Portland, Oregon and Seaside, Oregon in the annual Portland to the Coast Relay.  I don’t know if I could do that today. It would be a great motivation in Jesus time…to see Him in person—the great healer. Those who made the trek undoubtedly became believers. I know I would have. I haven’t even seen Him…and I believe in Him. I have faith in Him. Remember what He told Thomas who had to see Jesus resurrected body to believe…

 - Then Jesus told him, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me." John 20:29

Can you believe without seeing?

Prayer ~ Thank You Jesus that we can believe without seeing. Thank You for granting us such faith…and for dying for our sins.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

© 2018 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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The Sabbath was Made to Meet the Needs of the People

One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grain fields, his disciples began breaking off heads of grain to eat. But the Pharisees said to Jesus, "Look, why are they breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?" Jesus said to them, "Haven't you ever read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God (during the days when Abiathar was high priest) and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. He also gave some to his companions." Then Jesus said to them, "The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!"  Mark 2:23-28

Harvest scriptures from the Old Testament:

When you enter your neighbor's vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, but you must not carry any away in a basket. And when you enter your neighbor's field of grain, you may pluck the heads of grain with your hand, but you must not harvest it with a sickle. Deuteronomy 23:24-25

When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Genesis 4:3

David feeding his trroups while hiding from Saul…David went to the town of Nob to see Ahimelech the priest. Ahimelech trembled when he saw him. "Why are you alone?" he asked. "Why is no one with you?" "The king has sent me on a private matter," David said. "He told me not to tell anyone why I am here. I have told my men where to meet me later. Now, what is there to eat? Give me five loaves of bread or anything else you have." "We don't have any regular bread," the priest replied. "But there is the holy bread, which you can have if your young men have not slept with any women recently." "Don't worry," David replied. "I never allow my men to be with women when they are on a campaign. And since they stay clean even on ordinary trips, how much more on this one!" Since there was no other food available, the priest gave him the holy bread--the Bread of the Presence that was placed before the LORD in the Tabernacle. It had just been replaced that day with fresh bread. 1 Samuel 21:1-6

I said, 'Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.' Hosea 10:12

We see other times of harvesting barley and wheat in the book of Ruth. Harvest is important—both of grain and of men.  Jesus is Lord of the Harvest. One day He will come with angels of Heaven and “harvest” those who believe in Him. Remember He told His disciples…

"The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." Matthew 9:37-38

Send more workers. Workers work…even on the Sabbath.  Would that upset the Pharisee? The Sabbath was made for the people. Rest and eat. Let the disciples and us eat as needed—whether it is in the field…or around the table. Food is necessary. Food for our physical bodies and food for our spiritual souls. Are you hungry?

Prayer ~ Jesus…Give us this day our daily bread.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130

Lilacs are in bloom,
Serve some up today!

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is time to plan and plant your garden. This year I plan to include some edible flowers like nasturtiums. I recall the first time I saw them in a salad, I thought they were just a garnish. Then someone reassured me that they were actually edible. Yum. The leaves and flowers have a sort of a peppery flavor similar to watercress. In researching their use I was very pleased to discover that the seeds can be made into capers. That will be a fun thing to try later in the summer.

For now…it is planning time…and time to get that soil ready. Where I live here in the Columbia Basin we can still expect a freaky spring frost, so it is best to wait a week or so before actually planting seeds outdoors. Below is a list of a few favorites with edible flowers that can be easily grown including some that we think of as herbs. Google and research for yourself a few edible flowers and pick up some seeds at your local nursery, hardware or big box home improvement store. Let me know what you think as they grow and you use them to add some flavor and color to your salads and other dishes.

Edible Flowers

Aylssum – add the flowers to salads, soups or omelets.

Basil – use the flowers as you would the leaves in salads, soups or pasta.

Borage – try freezing flowers in ice cubes. Consume in small quantities.

Lilac – mix flowers with cream cheese and serve on crackers.

Nasturtium – use leaves and flowers in salads or to garnish casseroles. Pickle the seeds into capers.

Pansy – use flowers in salads or desserts.

Peony – use flowers in salads or cook for a treat. Use in water or to garnish punch.

Plumeria – use flowers in salads or steep as a tea.

Primrose – garnish salads, cakes or other desserts.

Squash & Pumpkin – use flowers in salads, pastas, soups, or egg dishes. Can be fried and filled with cream cheese.

Rose – if petals smell good, they will taste good. Also use rose hips in jellies. Use only if organic—no chemical sprays.

Rosemary – use with pork and beef dishes. Flowers are also good in breads.

Enjoy a feast of lovely flowers created just for you by the King of Kings. Good eating.

Happy 10^th Birthday, Amelia

Love & Prayers…today and always.

© 2018 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

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What is Good or Evil on the Sabbath?

Jesus went into the synagogue again and noticed a man with a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, Jesus' enemies watched him closely. If he healed the man's hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, "Come and stand in front of everyone." Then he turned to his critics and asked, "Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?" But they wouldn't answer him. He looked around at them angrily and was deeply saddened by their hard hearts. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus. Mark 3:1-6

For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD; whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death. Exodus 31:15 NASB

Synagogue rebuilt ruins at Capernaum - Israel

Is healing “work” or would it be evil NOT to heal that poor man’s hand? Jesus was asking those Pharisees some good questions.

"Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?"

Do you suppose that those very questions had already been debated among the Rabbis in an oral tradition of the Talmud? Jewish Rabbis have long debated legal issues—the Law given to Moses. According to Wikipedia (the great encyclopedia of the Internet) the Talmud was an oral tradition until after the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD. So in Jesus’ time we can assume the Rabbis just debated and passed on judgements of law issues orally. Likely those Rabbis were among the Pharisees confronting Jesus in the synagogue there in Capernaum. It seems to me that those Rabbis were the evil ones…confronting Jesus and wanting to allow that man to continue his life with a handicapped hand. They knew that Jesus could heal him…but they were just looking for a way to trap Jesus with their religious traditions and standards. Were they jealous of His power? Why did they want to kill Him?

Jesus did what was right…He did His Father’s will—healing and preaching. He did what He came to do just as He told John’s disciples.

Jesus told them, "Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen-- the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.'" Matthew 11:4-6

Good or Evil? What do you think? Is it wrong to help others on the Sabbath? Do you even keep a Sabbath? Is it Saturday or Sunday? What “work” do you do on that day? I personally struggle with observing a particular Sabbath day even though I  know that keeping the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments.

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 20:10-11

Rest in God’s word and follow His will. Respect God and be obedient to what He expects of us—from the Old and New Testament scriptures.

-          And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5

-          Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

-          And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:30-31

I think that by healing the deformed hand Jesus was  loving His neighbor as Himself. Was that good or evil? Love God and my neighbor…that is the best that I can strive to do. How about you?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I’m sorry that the Pharisee were so rude and hateful to You, but it seems they were part of God’s plan to send You to the cross. May I never forsake You…or be ashamed of You for You are worthy of my love, adoration and respect.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 28-31, Psalm 18

© 2018 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.

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Old Ways VS New Ways

Jesus said to the Pharisees…"Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins."  Mark 2:21-22

Have you ever put a new patch on an old pair of jeans? Well, probably not since holey jeans are so in fashion. If you put a new patch on those old jeans and then wash them…the patch shrinks and whalla—the patch pulls away and the hole is worse. If you wisely use old fabric that is pre-shrunk, and it won’t pull away when it is washed and dried.

Wine in large quantities was stored in clay pots. Remember when Jesus did His first miracle (see John 2:1-11) and changed the water in large ceremonial washing jars into the best wine at the wedding in Cana? Now that was a large quantity of wine. It would have taken probably at least a hundred wine pouches to contain all that wine. Similar to the use old or new patches, in the old days when leather pouches were used instead of wine bottles for small quantities of wine, the fermenting wine would split any reused pouches. Wine as it ferments gives off gases that cause pressure on the wine skins. Old wine skins can’t take much pressure before they would burst. Then the wine is lost—spilled out on the ground. What a waste.

Tradition. That is what this old and new is all about. Jesus was telling the Pharisees that old and new don’t mix. Old traditions can’t be applied to new ways. The grace of God was a new teaching that didn’t fit in with the old traditional teaching of the law. Although there is grace in the Old Testament, the grace—the unmerited favor—offered by Jesus gives us salvation. It is the basis of our salvation and justifies us in the eyes of God.

From the Old Testament:

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalm 84:11

"In that day (time of tribulation)," says the LORD, "I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people. This is what the LORD says: "Those who survive the coming destruction will find blessings (grace) even in the barren land, for I will give rest to the people of Israel." Long ago the LORD said to Israel: "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. Jeremiah 31:1-3

God's Grace is like an apple blossom...fragrant and free to all.
The fruit that develops is an added bonus...like...
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control...
of the Holy Spirit.

God’s grace isn’t just for Christians…nor is it just for Jews…but is extended to everyone. Everyone who believes in Jesus as the Son of God…as their Savior, their Messiah.

But there is a great difference between Adam's sin and God's gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15 

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

Do you believe? Trust in Jesus today and His grace will patch any hole so you won’t fall apart. His grace is sufficient for everyone.

Prayer ~ Jesus, give us eyes to see Your grace, mercy and love in our lives and to see others as You see them—for although we are unworthy, with Your blood shed for us we are all worthy.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 17, 35, 54, 63  

© 2018 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

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