Put On Your Armor

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

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

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

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:12-18.

Shirley & Bob with Anne & Vicki
 on October 14, 1989
Went to be with Christ December 8, 1989

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

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Put on your armor every day. Stay protected. You wouldn’t go out in the hot sun without sunglasses and a hat or sunscreen, so don’t go into your day without protection of God’s Word.

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

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 59-63

© 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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Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Sister, Shirley.

Rest in Peace…and listen for the sound of the Trumpet.

The dead in Christ will rise first!

Be Worthy of the Wedding Garments

"The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come! "So he sent other servants to tell them, 'The feast has been prepared. The bulls and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the banquet!' But the guests he had invited ignored them and went their own way, one to his farm, another to his business. Others seized his messengers and insulted them and killed them. "The king was furious, and he sent out his army to destroy the murderers and burn their town. And he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, and the guests I invited aren't worthy of the honor. Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.' So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests. "But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn't wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?' But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, 'Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' "For many are called, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:2-14

Beautiful Wedding attire - Grandmother Kay
At Elizabeth & Ben's wedding
A heart filled with joy is proper attire.

Friend…how are you here without wedding clothes?  The custom of that day was that the guests were provided with wedding clothes by the groom’s family and those garments had to be worn. So this gentleman in the scripture today was cast out of the wedding feast—out of heaven—when he wasn’t wearing the proper attire. He was a traitor…not a friend or believer in God. He insulted the Father by disrespectfully not wearing the proper clothes provided for him. Have you accepted the wedding clothes that the groom’s Father has provided for you? What is that garment? Holiness, faithfulness, loyalty, obedience, righteousness? It may be your attitude…for me my attitude towards the Lord. Remember how the man rebelliously didn’t want to wear the wedding attire provided. Is there any rebellion in your heart towards God? Deal with it today…before it is time to attend the wedding banquet. 

Prayer ~ Jesus—may my attitude reflect Your glory and honor. I want to serve You with the highest devotion that You and our Heavenly Father deserve in all that I do. Please help me and each person reading this to choose to follow You—that we would not be tossed aside.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 54-58

© 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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Put God Not Goods First in Your Life

Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me." Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" Then he said, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own." ... "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Luke 12:13-15, 21

Put Jesus First in your life.
Cross from Mexico

Friend. Beware of greed. Jesus gave such good advice and teaching to His friends. He was open to anyone learning from Him, but He was especially diligent about teaching His friends…His disciples. Are you listening to His words today? The message is the same as it was over 2000 years ago. Love one another as you love yourself. Guard against every kind of greed. If you are loving yourself more than others, you may be tempted to be greedy. Watching out for yourself instead of seeking ways to help others…to uplift, support and care for them. By caring for others we are showing God that we care about His creation…and thus, I think, about Him. Guard against every kind of greed. Don’t  focus on storing up a lot of stuff…goods, big bank accounts and retirement funds here on earth when you don’t have a rich relationship with God. At another time Jesus taught to put God first in your life.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

Friend—Are you taking God’s word to heart?

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit…I want to put You first in every way in my life…but like Paul…”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.” Romans 7:21-23. Help me Lord—free me from my sinful nature. Help me to do what is right…to follow Your teachings and live to please You.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 49-53

© 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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Persistent Prayers

Then, teaching them more about prayer, he used this story: "Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 'A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.' And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, 'Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you.' But I tell you this—though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. - Luke 11:5-8

Fresh Dill from my garden--for fresh dill pickles.

Jesus used this example about friendship to teach His followers about prayer. It’s not about friendship—but about approaching God in prayer persistently. Treat God like you would a friend…don’t give up asking Him. Don’t think that you can’t approach Him with a genuine need—this person needed food for his friend who came to visit. What do you need? For what would you ask your friend or neighbor? A cup of sugar, some eggs, a loaf of bread…some dill from their garden so you can make some dill pickles?

Friendship’s sake. What loyalty do you have to your friends? What loyalty do your friends have to you? Jesus told His disciples that a true friend would lay down his life for his friends.

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13

That is a very loyal friend. Life. Death. All that life means. Love for friends and for God. So back to God…talking to Him…listening to Him. That is what prayer is. Conversing with the greatest power in the universe. He is always listening…always ready to provide the true answer. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. And His loyalty is with His friends who obey Him. Be persistent in your prayers to Him.He wants that persistence.

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You for Your loyalty…for Your lesson of persistent prayer. Always teaching…useful things and providing spiritual food...that bread of life. Give us this day our daily bread.

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

© 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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Like Children

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 44-48

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Next Tuesday would have been my sister, Shirley’s 70^th birthday. She was killed over twenty-seven years ago in a domestic violence incident. She was a great cook…and baker. Her apple pies were the best and growing up she won several blue ribbons at the county fair for those great pies. To honor her I want to share her favorite pie crust and apple pie recipes with you.

Pie Crust

2 c. flour

1 tsp salt

¾ c shortening

¼ c cold water

Mix 1/3 cup flour and the ¼ cup water into a paste. Set aside. Cut the shortening into the remaining flour until pea-sized lumps. Add the flour-water paste. Mix well. Divide into 2 parts. Roll out crusts and place in pie tin.

Note: This may be doubled to make more pies. It is our family’s favorite pie crust recipe. Always a flaky crust. The original recipe came from a 1954 Betty Furness Westinghouse Cook Book. The cover is torn off and it is a well-used cook book, especially the pie section.

Shirley’s All-American Apple Pie

5 c thinly sliced, pealed apples

1 c sugar

2 Tbsp flour

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 Tbsp butter

Pastry for 2 crust 9” pie

Combine sugar, flour, spices, salt and lemon juice. Add apples. Toss to mix.

Roll out pastry, line pie pan. Trim off overhanging pastry. Roll pastry for top. Add half the apple mixture. Dot with butter. Add the remaining apples. Moisten the rim of the crust with water. Adjust top crust, trimming so there is about ½ inch overhang. Fold edges of crust together and seal rim by pressing together. Flute edge. Brush crust with milk. Add vent holes—usually cut in the letter “A” for apple.

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 50-60 minutes or until apples test done with a fork. You may want to put foil around the edge of the pie crust before baking and remove for the last 15 minutes.

Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

© 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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Love Each Other

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:12-17

Love each other.

Jesus spoke about friends and friendship often. He considered the disciples His friends…as well as His followers. He commanded them to love each other…like He loved them. He loved them with His life. He loves us in the same way…He gave His life for us. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. He chose them…and He has chosen each of us and taught us what the Father wanted us to know…what He commanded.  Love. Love each other. That is what life is all about. Love.

Produce lasting fruit. That fruit is listed in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. …the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23. I see again that one of the fruits of the Spirit is love. That is the same love that Jesus was talking about… no greater love. God’s love. It is a lasting fruit. Forever…everlasting. Eternal.

How do you show that fruit…that love? Love for each other?

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You. You are the greatest friend to everyone…and my friend. I praise You. Help me—as well as my family, friends and neighbors to love each other…as You would love each of us.  

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 40-43

© 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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Stand Up for Your Friend

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

Deer friends.
Dear friend...these deer can't know Jesus like you can.
Let me tell you about my friend, Jesus.

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

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

Prayer ~ Jesus, You are my Savior…and my Lord. Thank You for loving me…as well as my family, friends and neighbors. I know this from Your words in scripture and since I’ve sung “Jesus Loves Me” all of my life…and will sing it forever. It gives me such assurance to know that You love me…even when others don’t.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76

© 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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Seated at the Right Hand

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. Mark 16:19

Glory to Heaven. Hallelujah!

Jesus ascended into Heaven where He sat down at the right hand of God. The “right hand” is mentioned several times in the Bible.

·         The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet." Psalm 110:1

·         Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

·         Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. Acts 5:31

·         But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand. Acts 7:55

·         The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. Hebrews 1:3

At the right hand—the place of honor. When you have someone special over for dinner, you give them the place of honor…the seat at your right hand. Jesus is honored by God to sit…to reign…forever in Heaven. Just like in the Hallelujah chorus, sung traditionally at Christmas…He shall reign forever and ever. Hallelujah! Yes…hallelujah! Jesus completed His work on earth…It is finished (John 19:30). He ascended to Heaven…to His Father…where He will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).

Jesus was born…a baby in Bethlehem. He lived a life of service…healing, feeding, delivering, teaching and saving. He died a sacrificial death like a criminal on a cross, although He was sinless. After His death, He was resurrected, and He ascended to heaven. Seems simple. Born, lived, died, resurrected, ascended. But what a powerful life. He is God. Do you believe that? Don’t take my word for it. Check out His birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension for yourself.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, there You are…seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. What an awesome place to be. From there You have promised to prepare a place for us to come and live with You forever. I’m counting on that…and to see You reigning forever. I praise You…for You are worthy of praise and honor. Thank You for all You have done for me…and for all mankind. Hallelujah!

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 35-36

© 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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Go…Preach…Make Disciples

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

As prophesied in Isaiah…

The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Isaiah 11:8

Other signs are not obviously mentioned in the Old Testament—but these are mentioned in the New Testament. Search them out for yourself. The only other gospel books give the Jesus Great Commission is the Book of Matthew where at the end of His ministry He tells His disciples…

Baptism in the Jordan River - Israel

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

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

Prayer ~ Lord, I thank you that You have promised to be with us always. Help us to witness in such a way that we would draw others to You thus enlarging Your church…on earth as it is in heaven…making disciples for You.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 31-34

© 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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Are You Looking for Jesus?

You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Mark 16:6

That was the message of the angel at the tomb where Jesus had been buried. He is risen from the dead!

The Cross is Empty...
The Tomb is Empty.
He is Risen...He is Risen, Indeed!
My Savior Lives -- Look for Him.

That is the usual Easter message. He is risen…He is risen, indeed! Can we proclaim, celebrate and rejoice in this message at other times of the year? YES!

Are you looking for Jesus today? If you are the best place to find Him is in the Gospel books of the Bible…although you can find Him or the message about Him—as Creator, Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, God Almighty, Friend, Advocate….in just about every book in the Bible. Search for Him. It is promised…

… you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him. ... For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors. Deuteronomy 4:29, 31 NLT

I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me. Proverbs 8:1. This verse is about wisdom…but we can ascribe it to searching for Jesus…for He is wisdom. The ultimate wisdom.

Search for Him and you will find Him. I know that I have done just that…search and found Him. He is an awesome God…He is my God, my Savior…my Messiah.

Prayer ~ Jesus—You said…When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them. John 14:20-21. Thank You that when I searched for You I found you for You revealed Yourself to me.

© 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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Sunday Morning at Sunrise

Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus' body. Very early on Sunday morning, just at sunrise, they went to the tomb. On the way they were asking each other, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled aside. When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died." The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened. [Shorter Ending of Mark] Then they briefly reported all this to Peter and his companions. Afterward Jesus himself sent them out from east to west with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Amen. Mark 16:1-8

Garden tomb in Jerusalem.
Is that an angel in the doorway?

Sunday morning at sunrise these three ladies went to the tomb where Jesus was buried. They loved Him and just wanted to anoint His body. I guess they didn’t know that Nicodemus had taken burial spices and anointed Him the day of His death and burial. Actually Nicodemus had brought seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloe (See John 19:39) to the tomb that Joseph of Arimathea had provided in which to bury Jesus. Who will roll away the stone? No need for that.

Trembling and bewildered. Don’t be alarmed…He is risen from the dead! Just as He told you. Don’t be afraid. That is exactly what they were feeling…fear. Just like an angel declared at the birth of Jesus…

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:8-11 (Underlined for emphasis.)

What wonderful news! He is born…He is risen. Fear? How could those ladies not be afraid? They’d never seen an angel before…and this one must have been glowing after having been in the presence of Jesus. What an awesome experience. They expected to see the body of their teacher…and there was no body…only the sheet in which Joseph of Arithemea had wrapped Him.

No Fear. Don’t be afraid…Don’t be alarmed. The same message at the birth and resurrection of Jesus. And Jesus spoke similar words to His disciples…don’t be anxious…no worries.

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going." "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:1-6

No worries…

So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. - Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

Let Jesus take care of you…of your needs—physically and spiritually. He is the way, the truth and the life…giving you, your family, friends and neighbors life…life abundantly. Let Him give you what you need. Love…and give love in return.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, You have not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7. Please help me never be afraid. No fear…when I have the opportunity to share Your truth and to love others—like You do.

Daily Bible Reading: Hosea 8-14

© 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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Different…but the Same

Afterward he appeared in a different form to two of his followers who were walking from Jerusalem into the country. They rushed back to tell the others, but no one believed them. Still later he appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating together. He rebuked them for their stubborn unbelief because they refused to believe those who had seen him after he had been raised from the dead. Mark 16:12-14

My first snake of the year! A Bull Snake.
Seen while hiking Candy Mountain.
Jesus would never appear as a snake!

He appeared in a different form. Not that of a frog, a monkey or even a snake…and just not as a crucified person. To see a crucified person would have been sort of like seeing a zombie walking around. I envision that although Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus and their servants may have washed Jesus body and removed some of the blood, He would still have the scars. He just didn’t look like Himself. Although He still did have the scars in His hands and His side, maybe the resurrection power renewed His face. Those followers on the road to Emmaus didn’t recognize Him—as recorded here in the book of Mark and also in Luke 24:13-35.

Jesus was a charismatic person—He just drew people to Himself—but it wasn’t about how He looked…it was about how He treated people. He listened to them. Honestly He could even hear their thoughts and understand their reasoning. Consider when the men let their friend down through the roof to be healed by Jesus in Luke 5:17-26. Jesus spoke to the Pharisees there about their reasoning…their thoughts…when they were judging Him for forgiving the man’s sin. If only they knew who was standing before them…teaching and healing. We have such an advantage of seeing the stories of Jesus life written in the Bible and believing.

O LORD, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts. Psalm 92:5

How are your thoughts? Are you thinking about Christ and spiritual things? Read these words written by Paul in his first letter to the church at Corinth. He is teaching us about spiritual things—for we are spiritual beings.

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." (Isaiah 64:4). But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets. No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit, and no one can know God's thoughts except God's own Spirit. And we have received God's Spirit (not the world's spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit's words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, "Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him? "But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:9-16

Jesus said…For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:24.

Do you worship God in spirit and in truth? Do you struggle with stubborn unbelief like those disciples that Jesus rebuked?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, just like You taught and spoke with your followers on the Road to Emmaus, speak to me and open my mind to understand the Scriptures. From Luke 24:45. I want to follow You, listen to You, obey your commands, and tell others about power and glory . Great are You Lord, and greatly to be praised….Psalm 48:1. May all my thoughts be pleasing to You, for I rejoice in You LORD. Psalm 104:34

Daily Bible Reading: Hosea 1-7

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table    

Molasses is a superfood that has some iron in it that should be good for our blood…carrying oxygen and giving us energy. Good rationalization for a reason to take a couple of more cookies! Enjoy and be energized. These little piggy cookies have been a family favorite for years. We’re always wanting to have them with Mexican suppers. Tacos? Let’s have piggies, too.

Mexican Piggies - Molasses Cookies

5 cups flour

1½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

1½ tsp cinnamon

2 tsp ground ginger

1½ tsp vanilla extract

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup milk

¾ cup blackstrap unsulphured molasses

2 eggs - One for the dough and one for an egg wash before baking.

Stir together dry ingredients and set aside. Cream brown sugar and butter. Add in the milk, molasses, vanilla and an egg. Mix in the dry ingredients. Roll out on a slightly floured surface to 3/8 inch thickness. Cut with a pig shaped cookie cutter. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet or parchment lined sheet. Beat the remaining egg and brush the egg wash onto the cookies before baking.

Bake at 350 degrees, 10-12 minutes—until lightly browned. Do not over bake. Makes 2 to 3 dozen depending on the size of the cookie cutter. Store in a Tupperware container. Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

© 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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You Can Have Him

Garden Tomb - Jerusalem
Was the tomb where they laid Jesus' body?

This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus' body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. Mark 15:42-46

You can have Him. That’s what Pilate told Joseph of Arimathea—a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin and a follower of Jesus. Take the body away. It usually took longer for a person being crucified to die. It was only about six hours for Jesus…but He had been brutally beaten before He was hung on the cross. Sacrificial lambs didn’t take long to die…and that was what He had become. A sacrificial lamb—who died for the sins of mankind. Treated like a criminal…hung on a cross between two thieves.

He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave. But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. Isaiah 53:9-12

As predicted by the prophet Isaiah Jesus was indeed martyred, bearing the sins of many and interceding for rebels. What a plan God formulated to save mankind—to purify them for His use in His kingdom! How amazing it is that Jesus was obedient to His Father’s plan. He was human…but much braver than anyone I’ve ever heard of before. Pain. Humiliation. Suffering for sins of which He never committed. Righteous. Purely righteous. We can never be like that…or can we? Jesus paid for all our sins so that we can be righteous and pure before His Heavenly Father one day. He did that for you and for me. I am in awe of Him. Grateful. Humbly and reverently astonished by His submission and devotion. Can you accept what Jesus Christ did for you?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, we are so blessed to have been chosen—to know You as our Savior, Redeemer and Friend. May Your joy fill our hearts and lives. Please reveal Yourself to those who stubbornly refuse to believe in You and Your resurrection, especially to the nation of Israel that they would know You as their Messiah. Thank You, Jesus.

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

© 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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Changes in the Temple

Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Mark 15:37-38

Jesus came to this earth…to die. To be the sacrifice for mankind…to restore them to a sinless state so that they could fellowship with God. One must be pure—holy—to stand before God. Jesus was the sacrificial lamb at the Passover. Jesus paid it all…to Him we owe our lives…our spiritual lives. He died physically…that we might live spiritually. In the New Testament book of Hebrews it explains the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice…His blood shed and sprinkled.

For after Moses had read each of God's commandments to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, and sprinkled both the book of God's law and all the people, using hyssop branches and scarlet wool. Then he said, "This blood confirms the covenant God has made with you." And in the same way, he sprinkled blood on the Tabernacle and on everything used for worship. In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness. That is why the Tabernacle and everything in it, which were copies of things in heaven, had to be purified by the blood of animals. But the real things in heaven had to be purified with far better sacrifices than the blood of animals. For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with human hands, which was only a copy of the true one in heaven. He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf. And he did not enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the high priest here on earth who enters the Most Holy Place year after year with the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, Christ would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice. And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:19-28 (Unlined for emphasis.)

Read Hebrews chapters 8-10 for a more complete understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice for you.

The curtain…the veil…was torn from the top to the bottom. What become of that curtain? Was it replaced? Did the sacrifices continue? Did the custom of entering the Holy of Holies only once a year on the Day of Atonement continue? So many questions…and those are not really answered in the Bible or by Josephus, the great Hebrew historian.

Some things change…but not God. He is amazing. Forgiving. Loving. Unchanging.

Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love. Micah 7:18 NASB

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! Psalm 104:33

That is just what I will do…that is what I am doing. Praising God and singing to the Lord as long as I live…to my last breath. Can you praise Lord as long as you live?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I praise You for it is from You that all blessings flow…to all creatures here below. I praise You above all heavenly hosts…Praise Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 23-27

© 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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