Crossroads of Civilization

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

Therefore, tell the people of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Repent and turn away from your idols, and stop all your detestable sins.' Ezekiel 14:6

In the Old Testament Ezekiel proclaimed God’s message of repentance. He wanted people to turn to Him from idols and stop sinning. Jesus proclaimed the same message—with even more intensity—to the Israelites. 

Where are you headed?
Who will you follow?
Crossroad Sign in Israel.

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

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

Daily Bible Reading: Malachi

© 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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Trumpet Call to Love

So it came about on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder. Exodus 19:16-19 NASB 

This is the first passage of scripture that mentions “a trumpet” and it seems that God is using the trumpet to call His chosen people together. He has something important to tell them through Moses. At least the trumpet is calling Moses to speak with God. No one else gets to go up the mountain and have an audience with God Himself. They are left standing at the bottom of the mountain quaking in their sandals. It is smoky and there is an earthquake. It’s no wonder that the Israelites were scared. It wasn’t a common occurrence to hear a loud trumpet—and where did that sound come from?

Is it smoky or just clouds?
Washington Cascade Mountains

The fire and earthquake scenario sounds a lot like conditions in the Pacific Northwest lately. We’ve had a couple of months of smoke from nearby forest fires with the smoke so thick that visibility is reduced to a couple of miles and you can taste the smoke in the air. People have been told to stay indoors whenever possible. During our smoky times last year football and soccer games were rescheduled or canceled completely. That is rare to cancel a soccer match. Rain, snow, wind and the games aren’t canceled. Smoky air conditions cancel a lot of things. It is just not healthy to be out in that low quality air. Was the air quality in question at the foot of Mt. Sinai? The trumpet sound didn’t alert the people to earthquakes or poor air quality, but called to them to meet God. Well—only Moses got to go up the mountain and really meet God. That was when he was given the Ten Commandments. God was calling His people to obedience. Letting them know what He really expects of them and of us. He specified how He wants mankind to live. It’s all about love. Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.

Do you hear God calling you to love? To love Him and to love others?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I submit myself to You. I want to live to please You…to show my love for You and for others. Give me the wisdom to see my own motives in my actions and to respond to Your love.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 126

© 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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He Remembers Us in Our Weakness

He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 136:23

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

God knows the weaknesses of each of us…our physical, mental and spiritual weakness…and He loves us anyway. I’ve often heard a quote by Max Lucado…

“God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.”

God wants us to be like His Son, Jesus. Even Paul had weakness in which He looked to the Lord for help. Through the Holy Spirit, God gave him power. Power to accept and deal with the weakness and pain in his life.

When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn't use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God's secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Can you or do you look to the Lord when you are feeling weak? Remember that God loves you…and He will help you change or accept your weaknesses…just ask Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Let me be more and more like Jesus every day. Mold me and make me…obedient, pure, honest, caring, compassionate, trusting and above all—loving—like Jesus.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 8-10

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Delightful Desserts

Dieting. Ugh. Some people consider it a dirty word…but let’s face it…diet is part of everyone’s life. It is the way we eat…not necessarily just restricting our food. We eat to live and live to eat. Yesterday I was behind a man in his seventies at the grocery checkout. He had a couple of tomatoes and bananas, hamburger buns, three packages of cookies and a lot of chocolate bars. It didn’t look like a very healthy diet…but who was I to judge. Sugar is just poison for me—so I am trying desperately to avoid it as much as possible. I will admit I had a jar of Mrs. Richardson’s Hot Fudge Sauce in my cart. I’ve found that it is wonderful to have on a spoonful of fresh ground peanut butter when I can’t resist those carb cravings! What is your weakness when the cravings attack? Do you turn to the Lord, or do you give in to those cravings?

© 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 They Sleeping?

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

Tombs at the Mount of Olives - Israel

Comfort? Those words cause an unsettling in some people. Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one may find comfort in that those who have died believing in Jesus are “fallen asleep in Jesus” and they will be resurrected—they will rise. 

Listen. Will you hear the trumpet sound?  Did you see the words of verse 14…if we believe that Jesus died and rose again...? That word IF is a loaded word. If we believe that Jesus died and was resurrected…then…those who have died—fallen asleep in Jesus will we will be “caught up.”  Those who are still alive will be “caught up” with those sleepyheads.

Thirty some years ago I went to a revival in which a chalk artist each evening did a large picture depicting a Biblical event. Once the chalk painting was done he would turn on a black light and illuminate the painting. One of the hidden pictures involved believers in white robes going up into the air. Being “caught up” and going to heaven. It was exciting to consider that we could be together with those who were resurrected from their grave sites or that we could be caught up with them. 

We are admonished by Jesus to “be ready”—be prepared. What are you doing to honor Jesus with your life?

Prayer ~ Lord God—help us to be prepared as we go about our daily lives. We don’t want to miss your message like some of the people of Noah’s age.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 6-7

(Recycled from 2017 Banquet With The King blog)

© 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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Laying on of Hands

When you present the Levites before the LORD, the people of Israel must lay their hands on them. Numbers 8:10

A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Mark 7:32

In the Old Testament it is recorded that the priests were to be prepared—purified—for their service to the Lord. This included representatives from each tribe of Israel laying their hands on the Levites as substitutes for the firstborn—just like the firstborn were either protected or sacrificed in Egypt.  

Jesus did heal that deaf man—but He did it with more than just laying on of His hands as had been requested. He put His fingers in the man’s ears and used His very spit and prayer to revitalize the man’s hearing and speech. Later, right before He left this earth for Heaven, Jesus told His disciples what He expected them to do. His instructions included the powers that would be given to those who believed.

And then he 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

The Holy Spirit came as flames of fire.
The gifts of the Spirit burn brightest together...not alone.

The power of Jesus here demonstrates healing, yet not everyone has been given the gift of healing. There are many gifts of the Spirit…and those gifts all work together through people to minister to other believers. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are described in First Corinthians Chapters 12 - 14. Those gifts are:

1.     Word of wisdom

2.     Word of knowledge

3.     Faith

4.     Gifts of healings

5.     Miracles

6.     Prophecy

7.     Distinguishing between spirits

8.     Tongues

9.     Interpretation of tongues

Laying on of hands isn’t necessarily always associated with healing. It can be as it was used in Numbers for purification and for special blessings—like when missionaries are sent out. It is interesting that the laying on of hands was not just a New Testament action since we note that it was used during ancient times. There is power in touch—for physical, mental and spiritual healing. Pray about how God wants to use you to touch other’s lives for Him. It takes faith—to believe in Jesus and His power at work in your life…and in the lives of others around you.

Prayer ~ Lord, I hear You asking…Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:13-16.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 1-5

© 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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Is Your Life a Sweet Smell?

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NLT

A sweet aroma. God’s idea of a sweet aroma is a burnt offering…and fragrant incense. The incense is a pleasant smell compared to burnt meat and fat from animals. Our noses and brains are just not attuned to thinking that burnt meat smells good…although smoked BBQ meats are savory. In the Old Testament Solomon builds a permanent Temple rather than a movable Tabernacle to honor God. In it will be the sacred place to offer sacrifices. Here is what is recorded in Second Chronicles.

I am about to build a Temple to honor the name of the LORD my God. It will be a place set apart to burn fragrant incense before him, to display the special sacrificial bread, and to sacrifice burnt offerings each morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, at new moon celebrations, and at the other appointed festivals of the LORD our God. He has commanded Israel to do these things forever. 2 Chronicles 2:4

It is the sacrifices that smell good to God…not necessarily the people. In our passage in Second Corinthians it is people telling others about Jesus that create a sweet smell…the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Jesus (NASB). Do you feel that you are doing that? Do you spread a life giving message…the knowledge of Jesus that gives hope to others? In that message are there sweet words of encouragement that seem like a sweet aroma? Think about the words you use. Are those words carefully chosen?

Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. Proverbs 25:10-13

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

Prayer ~ Thank you, God, for always leading us in rejoicing in Christ, and manifesting through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Jesus Christ in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. Help us to be adequate for these things. 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 NASB.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 7-10

Happy Birthday Sweet Liberty!

© 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 Like Sarah?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Will our Heavenly Home be as dazzling as this?
Hungarian Parliament Building
Budapest, Hungary along the Danube River

Is your desire for a home in Heaven?

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

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

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

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

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

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 6-10

© 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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Keep Watch

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

Keep watch. There is a wonderful use of this phrase in the Old Testament. It may have little if anything to do with being ready for the Lord’s return…but I loved the image of the Lord watching over my lips and my heart—so that I wouldn’t say or do anything evil.

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with men who do iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies. Psalm 141:3-4 NASB

David wrote this Psalm as a prayer to the Lord for His help in keeping him from even fellowshipping with ungodly people. That is a good step in being prepared…yet those are the very people that we may need to reach for the Lord. Don’t let evil into your life…but do share the Good News of Jesus as King and Judge with others. There is a delicate balance there that we all must consider. Keep watch over the door of my lips.  Guarding our hearts and tongues provides the integrity that demonstrates we live the way God wants us to live.

Keep Watch
Don't fall into an abyss.
Follow the light. 

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

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

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

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Are you ready for Christ’s return?

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

Daily Bible Reading: Esther 1-5

© 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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Is Fear Keeping You From Sleeping?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mt. Rainier Fog

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

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

Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 10-14

© 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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May The Lord Bless You

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

During the Rosh Hashanah worshipers gathered for a group meal and together in unison recite this blessing…

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

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

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

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

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

May the Lord bless you—and let His face shine on you.

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

Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 5-9

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Artichoke Blossom.
Photo by Mike Hunacek

It is artichoke season! September to May. You can find them on sale at your local supermarket.

What? You say you’ve NEVER cooked or eaten artichokes? Ahhh. They are a family favorite and besides, they are healthy. They increase flow of bile from the liver, so that means they help flush toxins out of your system and increase fat digestion. That may help with lowering cholesterol. They also contain high levels of inulin that helps to slow sugar release into the bloodstream. Artichokes also are a good source of dietary fiber, folate, as well as vitamins C and K.

There are so many seemingly small advantages to lots of different vegetable—so it is good to eat a variety of foods. Give the globe or French artichoke a try. It is simple to cook and can be eaten cold or warm, served with mayonnaise, French dressing, vinaigrette, hot melted butter or Hollandaise sauce.

When you are shopping, choose artichokes that are tight. In the garden you’ll see a beautiful bloom—like the photo that my son, Mike, took of those in his garden. You’ll probably never see a blossom in the grocery store. To prepare the artichokes to eat begin to bring a large pot of water to boil, adding about a teaspoon of salt, a couple of chopped cloves of garlic and the juice of half a lemon. Meanwhile, cut off the tips of the leaves—and cut across the entire top of the artichoke. Cut the stem off even with the bottom of the leaves. No need to tie the leaves together—just pop the artichoke into the water. When the water is boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook the artichokes for 30 to 40 minutes or until you can easily pull off a leaf and the bottom is tender. Remove the artichokes from the water with a slotted spoon and place upside down to drain.

Eating artichokes is a social time with usually two people sharing an artichoke. There is plenty of time for conversation as you dip the artichoke leaf by leaf into the sauce or butter of your choice and scrape the meat of the inner leaf off with your bottom teeth. Only one scrape per leaf. When you get to the center, the “choke”, take a spoon and scrape out the fuzzy choke and just discard it. It is not eatable. Then smear some sauce or mayo on the heart, cut it up, especially if you are sharing it, and enjoy that tasty morsel. Remember what a good thing you are doing for your body…and your taste buds. Enjoy.

© 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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You’ve Heard It Before

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

Promise - I will come again.

Jesus said it before 'I go away, and I will come to you.'  He seemed to have to repeat Himself to the disciples. Go away…come back. He did go away…and we can claim the promise that Jesus is coming back. He told His disciples that He was coming back and this is described by Paul in 1 Thessalonians. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-10. We will live together forever. Jesus told us before it happens so that we would know and be prepared. In the Old Testament there are warnings to be prepared, too. Near is the great day of the LORD, near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! In it the warrior cries out bitterly. Zephaniah 1:14. 

In your concordance or Bible search engine, look for “listen,” “ears let him hear,” and “be ready.” Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. Matthew 13:43. You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect. Luke 12:40. Be ready. How will you respond to Jesus’ teaching today?

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

Daily Bible Reading: Zechariah 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.

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

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The Lord is Not Slow

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 NASB

Is this door open or closed to you?

Yom Kippur started at sundown yesterday and continues until sunset today. It is a Day of Atonement, especially to God for individuals and for their nation. The Jews are still looking for their Messiah—but as our tour guide, Amir, explained when we visited Israel—it is a Messiah for their nation, not for each individual. It was an epiphany moment for me as I thought about these two concepts. Jews are looking for a national Messiah…and they seek repentance as a nation during Yom Kippur. Our western culture seeks individual salvation…while the countries of eastern cultures seek national salvation. God does not want anyone to be destroyed…not any nation or any individual. He wants them to repent. That is what Yom Kippur is all about.

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

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

We don’t know the hour or the day…so always be ready for Christ’s return. Some people predicted that it would be when the shofar horn was blown at the end of the last Yom Kippur service, signifying the end of the fast for Yom Kippur, the end of Shabbat, in 2017 (Hebrew calendar 5777) since it was year of the Jubilee. But Christ’s return hasn’t happened. Once again we are starting over…just like with repentance, we start fresh with God. Forgiven, cleansed of all unrighteousness. Do you feel that during this time of the Feast of Trumpets and Yom Kippur you have sought repentance and received renewal?

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

Daily Bible Reading: Haggai

© 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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Yom Kippur

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

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

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

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

My light and my salvation.
Shine on me to show me the right path.

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

The Lord is my light and my salvation.

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus… Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path (Psalm 27:11). You are worthy of all praise and glory. I am listening for the sound of Your trumpet. Lord, may we rest in Your presence today—humbly seeking Your mercy in our lives. Thank you for hearing our prayers.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 4-6; Psalm 137

© 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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Offerings of Purification

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

Bird of Paradise - Liberty, Joy and Paradise

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

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

Pray continually and stay away from anything evil. Good advice then…and today. Are you seeking atonement? The Day of Atonement is tomorrow. On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the LORD's presence from all your sins. An offering of purification will be offered for you. Your sins will be forgiven...just ask. 

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

Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 1-3

© 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.

Follow And Like "Banquet With The King" on Facebook. 👍