Peace – Are You Living It?

Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other." Mark 9:50

Be at Peace with One Another

Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. Mark 9:50

What is your favorite salty food? Potato or corn chips, French fries, popcorn, crackers, dill pickles, ham, bacon or fish. Imagine what it would taste like without salt. Have you ever had salt become unsalty? It does happen—and when it does, it is time to throw it away. You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Matthew 5:13

In the Old Testament salt is noted as a preservative or cleansing agent as when Elisha used it in a spring near Jericho.

One day the leaders of the town of Jericho visited Elisha. "We have a problem, my lord," they told him. "This town is located in pleasant surroundings, as you can see. But the water is bad, and the land is unproductive." Elisha said, "Bring me a new bowl with salt in it." So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the spring that supplied the town with water and threw the salt into it. And he said, "This is what the LORD says: I have purified this water. It will no longer cause death or infertility." And the water has remained pure ever since, just as Elisha said. 2 Kings 2:19-22

Throw out this old tire...and debris at the Great Salt Lake, Utah.
Purity is important.

Purity in water is important…as is peace within relationships.

When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7 NASB

So have salt in yourselves—be tasteful in whatever you say. Choose your words carefully so they aren’t ugly and tasteless, like uncured rotten meat, which would be offensive to others. Our choice of words can either create or disrupt peace with those around us. Funny thing, if we are not at peace with ourselves, we won’t be at peace with others. The choice is ours. If you are struggling with peace in your life, pray about it. Remember…

…You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:2-3   

Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4.

Desire purity. Desire peace.

Prayer ~ Lord - we acknowledge that all power and peace comes from You. You Lord give strength to Your people and bless them with your peace. Psalm 29:11

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3-4

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Let No One Split Apart

Then Jesus left Capernaum and went down to the region of Judea and into the area east of the Jordan River. Once again crowds gathered around him, and as usual he was teaching them. Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: "Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife?" Jesus answered them with a question: "What did Moses say in the law about divorce?" "Well, he permitted it," they replied. "He said a man can give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away." But Jesus responded, "He wrote this commandment only as a concession to your hard hearts. But 'God made them male and female' from the beginning of creation. 'This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together." Mark 10:1-9 

Presumed Site of the Sermon on the Mount.
Near the Sea of Galilee - Israel.

Let no one split apart what God has joined together….

Jesus was teaching a crowd of people when the Pharisees came up and began testing Him. Jesus wasn’t bullied, coerced or intimidated by those Pharisees. He shot a question right back at them. Those Pharisees knew the religious law backward and forward. They knew what Moses taught from Deuteronomy 24:1.

Suppose a man marries a woman but she does not please him. Having discovered something wrong with her, he writes her a letter of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house. When she leaves his house, she is free to marry another man. But if the second husband also turns against her and divorces her, or if he dies, the first husband may not marry her again, for she has been defiled. That would be detestable to the LORD. You must not bring guilt upon the land the LORD your God is giving you as a special possession. Deuteronomy 24:1-4

Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that the reason Moses gave the opportunity of a letter of divorce is so that the husband who had a hard heart would have a way out of the marriage, other than murdering his wife. The ultimate domestic violence. That goes against yet another Commandment...You must not murder. Exodus 20:13.

Jesus had already addressed marriage and adultery in His earlier teaching at the Sermon on the Mount. It was unlikely that the Pharisees were at that ministry session—but they probably had heard of Jesus' teaching.

You have heard the law that says, 'A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.' But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. Matthew 5:31-32

 Right from the Ten Commandments…

You must not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14

No doubt about what the Ten Commandments instructed. Those Pharisees knew what adultery was…and was not. They knew of the relationship between divorce and adultery. Jesus also went deeper with this commandment during His teaching at the Sermon on the Mount.

You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28

Our world has become so free with divorce. It can be just irreconcilable difference or a feeling of not being happy any more that leads to the end of that marriage. What became of the promise…until death do us part? Then again some people didn’t say that phrase in their marriage vows. Jesus had the answer…it came from the original Ten Commandments. But then there are people and places that do not recognize those Commandments. Personally, I took my marriage vows seriously. My husband and I have been married for 46 years next month. There were times that each of us wanted to throw in the towel…but we stuck it out…worked on our relationship and stayed true to our commitment to each other and to God. Where do you stand in regards to Jesus’ teaching about divorce and adultery?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I choose to follow Your Ten Commandments…which are neatly summarized by Jesus. "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 119

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Time…Is It All Vanity?

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one's lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. That which is has been already and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by. Ecclesiastes 3:12-15 NASB

It has been 50 years since my High School Graduation. Time goes by so very fast. Goals from fifty years ago hardly seem relevant today. Most have already been achieved. Graduated from college. Got married. Had a family…and now grandchildren. Traveled some—visiting all 50 states and several foreign countries. Read through the Bible in a year. Just waiting now for Jesus return which I thought would happen in my lifetime. But my timing may not be God’s timing—and He is definitely the one in control…not me! So many things—like the return of the Jews to Israel indicate that the time for Jesus’ return is closer…but we cannot set a day or an hour. So many people have tried—look on YouTube for some of those who predict that the end is near. Jesus told us to be ready.

"Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would 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." Luke 12:35-40

In the Old Testament we see an interesting passage that quotes God being ready…

The LORD says, "I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, 'Here I am, here I am!' to a nation that did not call on my name. Isaiah 65:1

Look for God while there is still time…you will not be looking in vain. It is promised that if you look for Him…you will find Him. Look at these Old Testament promises as found in the New American Standard Bible translation. Promises to Solomon, from Solomon and from God through His prophet Jeremiah.

-        As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 NASB

-          I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me. Proverbs 8:17 NASB

-          You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NASB

Seek God…in His word…before it is too late. Jesus will come at a time when we least expect Him…but we are to be ready.

Prayer – Lord God, time goes so very fast. Is it all in vain…as Solomon wrote?

There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God's sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 NASB

Daily Bible Reading:  1 Kings 1-2; Psalms 37, 71, 94

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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How Do You Celebrate Memorial Day?

In the Old Testament a memorial day of mourning took place when Jacob died in Egypt. Joseph asked that he and his brothers be allowed to take his father’s body back to Canaan for burial.

Pharaoh agreed to Joseph's request. "Go and bury your father, as he made you promise," he said. So Joseph went up to bury his father. He was accompanied by all of Pharaoh's officials, all the senior members of Pharaoh's household, and all the senior officers of Egypt. Joseph also took his entire household and his brothers and their households. But they left their little children and flocks and herds in the land of Goshen. A great number of chariots and charioteers accompanied Joseph. When they arrived at the threshing floor of Atad, near the Jordan River, they held a very great and solemn memorial service, with a seven-day period of mourning for Joseph's father. Genesis 50:6-10. 

Memorial Day commemorates the beginning of summer for most people in the US. It’s a time for picnics…and a first swim of the year in the pool or lake. But do we consider what Memorial Day really is? It was originally designated at a day to commemorate, remember and honor the American soldiers who died on active duty, beginning with the hundreds of thousands of soldiers lost in the Civil War. Their graves were decorated—so it was sometimes call “Decoration Day.” Now some people use this Memorial Day to remember any of their loved ones who have died. Just like Joseph we memorialize our loved ones.  

What did God intend for His people to “remember” and commemorate? There are 230 occurrences of “remember” in the NLT of the Bible. Some of those are commands from God to “remember” His commandments and to follow the instructions He gave to Moses. Other times that “remember” are used are when other people, like David or Solomon, were admonishing people to recall or consider what God has done. Jesus and Paul called people to “remember”….

-          Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. John 14:24 (Jesus)

-          Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:5 (Paul)

-          Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 (Paul)

God wants us—wants everyone, everywhere—to know that He is powerful, mighty and keeps His promises. Is there any doubt about that in your mind? What can you do on this Memorial Day to honor God—to remember the great sacrifice that He made for you? Jesus laid down His life—died a painful and humiliating death on a cross for the sin of all mankind.

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Romans 3:23

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.) Romans 8:5-9.

How’s your spiritual being? Do you have the Spirit of Christ living in you?

Prayer – Lord God, Thank You for Your plan. I acknowledge that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory.  Thank You for forgiving all people—even me—who come to You confessing that they are sorry for their sins. You still offer forgiveness and an eternal home with You in the forever Promised Land known as Heaven. Please accept my honor and deep abiding respect for You as a Memorial for all You have done for the nation of Israel—and for me, my family, friends and neighbors. I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 111-118

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Celebrating 75 Years

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Several years ago a very dear friend of ours quoted this passage. It became my husband’s favorite verse and it changed his view of life—although he has always been a positive and jovial person. For that I am grateful. That’s why I fell in love with him…he had a sense of humor.

           

We recently were privileged to attend a young man’s Bar Barakah–a Christian form of Bar Mitzvah—a transition into manhood. Each person who attended was asked to bring a note of blessing with words of wisdom for him. Jerry’s words of wisdom included…

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Be quiet and listen!

Always listen before you speak.

And an all-time favorite that came about after a discussion with our niece. It is a response to anything that one hears…and should direct our words and actions.

Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?

That is wise advice for everyone.

Family Train Guy - Celebrating 75 years of youthfulness.
Union Pacific Engine at Inland NW Rail Museum.
Reardan, Washington

Prayer ~ Lord, Thank You for these years You have blessed Jerry with…and the blessing that he is within our family, to each person within our group of friends over the years, and to our dear neighbors, too. May You continue to guide and direct his paths, give him wisdom, keep him safe and healthy, and help us all to make good decisions. We appreciate each day that You give us…and rejoice that this is the day that You have made.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 26-29; Psalms 127

Happy Birthday, Hubbysan Jerry!

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Open Your Gift From God

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8

Not only is His grace sufficient for me—He provides that to me as a gift. A gift that costs me nothing—well I must humble myself, believe that Jesus IS the SON of God, and accept the gift. But it is a free gift—not one I can earn as some kind of reward or for which I can do some special works to receive it. That gift cost God everything. Jesus gave up His life for me—God the Father gave up His only Son for me. That is a pretty big gift. His grace is the beginning of my salvation. It is humbling to think that someone…that God Himself loves me that much that He would sacrifice His Son for my stubborn sin. That is enough to make me repent…not just “want to”…but to actually humbly let go of my stubbornness and ask for forgiveness for my sin.

There are several examples of God’s “grace” in the Old Testament. One from Psalms and another from the prophetic book of Zechariah. God give us grace…and will pour it out on the people of Jerusalem.

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

City of Jerusalem

This message concerning the fate of Israel came from the LORD: "This message is from the LORD, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the human spirit. ... On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the angel of the LORD who goes before them! For on that day I will begin to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died. The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the great mourning for Hadad-rimmon in the valley of Megiddo. Zechariah 12:1, 8-11

Prayer ~ Dear God, my Grandmother taught me to always thank someone for a gift they’d given me. So…Thank You, Lord God…for Your Grace and the salvation of my very soul.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 131, 138-139, 143-145

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Millstone Around the Neck

Millstone used to grind grain in Israel.

But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. Mark 9:42

Sin is a powerful threat to our lives. It finds it roots right there with Eve and Adam in the Garden…and anywhere that wilily serpent Satan lurks. He wants us to draw away from Christ—but if Christ is for us…who can be against us?

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

Paul wrote another passage in Romans that addresses the dilemma we all face with sin in life.

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:21-25

 

Prayer ~ Dear Lord God—I don’t want to be a slave to sin. You have set us free—Jesus!  I really do want to obey You…and to seek You first in all my ways. I know that You are for us…and greater is He (You) that is in me than he that is in the world (Satan). Give me…as well as my family, friends and neighbors the desire and grace to please You and to never lead any other person of any age into sin. No millstones for us.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 23-25

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Have you heard of the New Four Food Groups? They are Vegetables, Fruits, Legumes, and Whole Grains. These were introduced by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in 1991. Where has this information been hiding since 1991? I think that we have meat and dairy activates that have been keeping this information from the front line media…or I’ve had my head in the sand for the last 26 years. Most likely the latter! Have you heard of this? So here’s the number of servings we should have per day to provide our bodies with antioxidants to ward off infections and cancer, as well as adequate protein and nutrients to provide for healthy growth.

Fruits - 3 or more servings of ½ to 1 cup

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

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

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

The idea behind these new food groups is that meat and fat affect the hormones in our bodies and cause cancer and inflammatory diseases. Can you live without meat? The fiber in all the fruits and vegetables, as well as the legumes, is also highly beneficial for removing toxins from our bodies. That is the basic info on these four new food groups in a nutshell…but limit the amount of nuts you include in your diet. Some of them are high in oil. The diet is lacking in Vitamin B12 so it is suggested that anyone following this eating regime include a good multivitamin that contains Vitamin B12.

Information from The Cancer Survivor’s Guide by Barnard and Reilly.

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Rewarded for Their Actions?

John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he wasn't in our group." "Don't stop him!" Jesus said. "No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us. If anyone gives you even a cup of water because you belong to the Messiah, I tell you the truth, that person will surely be rewarded. Mark 9:38-41

How often do you offer a cup or bottle of water to someone besides your family or friends? So you give water to the repairman or service representative that is coming to help you with your furnace or air conditioning?

Can you do something…anything…without considering that you should be rewarded? Jesus didn’t consider His reward at any time when He did or even said anything. We should be more like Jesus—not expecting anything from others. Jesus said they will get their reward if they serve Him…even if it is something they do for us because we belong to Him. Turnabout. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 

For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Matthew 7:2 NLT

The best known way to live in many cultures…the Golden Rule.

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12.

How do you treat others? Are you expecting a reward for your good deeds…or do you expect others to get some reward for treating you well? Food for thought. Does it make you thirsty?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus…You said… "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."  Matthew 10:42.  Lord—Please, pour out Your love and grace upon all who need it…just like they daily need fresh water to drink. Reward or not for me…please provide Your living water—just like You offered to the woman at the well.  

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 108-110

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Can You Be a Servant?

Jesus sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else." Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me." Mark 9:35-37

Can you be a servant to others? Servants welcome people and wait on them. Can you be like Jesus—washing His disciples’ feet or providing for their needs?

It takes a special person to be a real servant to those around him or her. Then, too, not everyone is even gracious enough to allow someone to be their servant. We have the “I can do it myself” attitude. You even see it in two and three year old children. So when Jesus said…Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me…He was saying…welcome that one who is a servant…and His Father. No one should want to turn their back on Jesus…or His Father. Welcome them into your home…and into your heart. Develop a relationship with them. Serve God by serving others—that is just what Jesus did as He ministered to the lame, blind, sick, dead, demonized and hungry. Those hungry for food or for spiritual nourishment. He supplied their needs.

Prayer ~ Lord—may all that I think, say and do be pleasing to You—welcoming You into my heart and my life. Bless Zander today...and always...as he seeks and serves You.

Daily Bible Reading:  2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalm 30

Happy Birthday, Zander!

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek.

 All rights reserved.

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

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An Overwhelming View

As they went back down the mountain, he (Jesus) told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept it to themselves, but they often asked each other what he meant by "rising from the dead." Mark 9:9-10

There are examples of “rising from the dead” in the Old Testament. These are prophetic examples.

Dying and living again. This was an exciting concept that the disciples struggled with, although they probably knew these Old Testament passages.

-          But those who die in the LORD will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead! Isaiah 26:19

-          Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Daniel 12:2

Just prior to this passage it was recorded that Moses and Elijah had appeared and talked with Jesus. God the Father Himself spoke from a cloud saying…"This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him."  Mark 9:7. That was just like at Jesus’ baptism. Jesus told Peter, James and John not to tell anyone about this Transfiguration episode they had just witnessed. It must have all be a bit overwhelming for them. Peter wanted to build them huts…but in the blink of an eye the encounter was over…and they were headed down the mountain—sworn to secrecy.

Tombs at the Mount of Olives - Jerusalem.

Those who die in the Lord will live—their bodies will rise again. That is an exciting statement. The dead in Christ—those who have died believing in Jesus as their Savior will rise again. This promise is given to us as recorded by Paul in 1 Thessalonians.

   - 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.

Comfort one another. Have hope. Those who believe in Jesus—whether they have died (fallen asleep) or are still alive when Jesus returns will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior? Trust Him…and one day you will find yourself being caught up in the air and being with the Lord…always.

Prayer ~ Lord, Thank You for this promise that one day You Yourself will descend from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise…and then those believers who are still alive will also be caught up into the clouds. What a sight that will be! Thank you that we don’t have be overwhelmed by this teaching—nor do we have to keep it a secret. We have hope in You and in Your return.  

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 95, 97-99

© 2018 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Take Up Your Cross

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:34-38

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross offers us salvation…and life. Solomon wrote in this Ecclesiastes passage that wisdom saves our life.

Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life. Ecclesiastes 7:12

Saves us from what? Death—eternal death. Having our life “saved” is important only if we are afraid of death. How do you feel about that? We are all going to die someday—that is our earthly bodies will die, but our spiritual being will continue to live forever—and to live in Heaven IF we allow wisdom to save us. That is, IF, in our Christian point of view, we allow Jesus to save us from eternal damnation. I believe that He can…that He has saved those who believe in Him as the Son of God. He said…Then He (Jesus) said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." Luke 9:23-24.

Furthermore, for me taking up my cross daily means to put Jesus first…not myself. Not only to give Him first place in my life…but to allow Him to come alongside of me and carry my burdens, too. I can’t do it all…or do it my way. I must allow Him to help me. He told us that our burden is light for Him.

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30

I must be teachable…and not ashamed of Jesus in any way. Give Him glory and honor above all.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, thank you for being willing to be sacrificed on a cross…and for the obedience that You showed to Our Father. You are Wisdom. You are The Truth, The Way and The Life. I look forward to seeing You face to face one day in Heaven. For today…I take up my cross…and follow You. May all that I think, do and say honor You.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 22-23; Psalm 57

© 2018 Text and photo 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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Noisy Tongues - Rejoicing with Good News

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers. They were completely amazed. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. "These people are all from Galilee, and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! Acts 2:1-8

Pentecost. Festival of Harvest or Feast of Weeks which was later called the Festival of Pentecost is celebrated today as Shavuot (or Shabuoth). God ordained this Festival as He commanded it through Moses to the Israelites.

Second, celebrate the Festival of Harvest, when you bring me the first crops of your harvest. Finally, celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season, when you have harvested all the crops from your fields. Exodus 23:16

You must celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the first crop of the wheat harvest, and celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season. Exodus 34:22

From the day after the Sabbath (of the Festival of Unleavened Bread)—the day you bring the bundle of grain to be lifted up as a special offering—count off seven full weeks. Keep counting until the day after the seventh Sabbath, fifty days later. Then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. From wherever you live, bring two loaves of bread to be lifted up before the LORD as a special offering. Make these loaves from four quarts of choice flour, and bake them with yeast. They will be an offering to the LORD from the first of your crops. Leviticus 23:15-17

Pentecost or Shavuot has been an important holiday for the Jewish community as a harvest festival. It was one of the holidays that required attendance at the Temple in Jerusalem. It is a complicated holiday that recognizes the giving of the Torah, specifically the receiving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The Book of Ruth is read at the synagogue for it depicts a harvest and Ruth's conversion to Judaism as a traditional acceptance of God's covenant at Sinai. Additionally, the Jews symbolically recognize marriage between God as the groom and Israel as the bride during Shavuot. 

It was during this Pentecost holiday that the passage in Acts occurred. Since Jews were required to attend worship at the Temple on this holiday there were people from many different countries living in or visiting Jerusalem. As it so happened when the disciples were filled with the Spirit on Pentecost they spoke in different languages—tongues—witnessing to the people in their own languages. Amazing. God had a plan. That was the beginning—the birth so to speak—of the Christian church. Each of those people from different countries took the news of Jesus as the Messiah back to their homes and their countrymen.

Celebrate - Dance.
The Time of Pentecost is here - in Israel.

How do you celebrate such a momentous occasion? Begin by rejoicing. God has a promise and a plan. That promise is a home with Him—eternally. His plan was set in motion when Jesus came to earth and died on a cross to be a sacrifice for all of human sin. The plan will be fulfilled when Jesus returns to take His Bride…the church…home to the place He has created for us. Will you be a part of that bridal party? The choice is yours.  

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus and God, our Father, You have loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, please continue to comfort and strengthen our hearts in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 5, 38, 41-42 

PENTECOST

Happy Birthday to the Church

© 2018 Text and photo 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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Goat’s Milk

And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and sustenance for your maidens. Proverbs 27:27 NASB

I love goats’ milk cheese. It is tangy and tasty on a salad or even on pizza. Now my mouth is watering, wanting a taste of good goat cheese. Goats have a reputation for eating everything in sight, but actually they will not eat inedible material like tin cans. Goats are raised in countries around the world. In reviewing various websites with goat production statistics it was interesting to note that China is the country with the most goats, although apparently they use the animals for meat more than for milk production. Bangladesh produces the most goats’ milk for any one country. Since goats’ milk is similar to cows’ milk in lactose (sugar) it is unfortunately not valued as a replacement for those who are lactose intolerant. So although I’d rather have a cheese and milk that is good for the lactose intolerant, the goats’ milk cheese still is tasty.

Sheep in Israel.

In the Proverbs 27:23-27 passage Solomon talks about paying attention to knowing and raising flocks of sheep and goats. They are valuable animals that will provide the shepherd’s family and household with milk, food and monetary income. God provides.

Sheep and goats are symbolic of the righteous and the unrighteous people that God deals with in the end times. See Matthew 25:32-34, 41. “All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world’” “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels’…”  I want to be among the sheep when the Lord calls us to Heaven. How about you? Will we have goat’s milk cheese in Heaven? God is so creative that we can be sure that whatever He serves, it will be exemplary.

Prayer ~ Lord, as shepherd of the human sheep and goats please guide and direct our paths that we would be pleasing to you. Thank you for providing all that we need.

(From May 19, 2012 Banquet With The King blog.)

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19-21

© 2018 Text and photo 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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