Come Lord Jesus

I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming quickly." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:18-21 (NASB)

Who testifies to this prophecy? The Apostle John wrote this book...with inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So he is the one testifying. Can you image what he experienced seeing the visions of the end times?

     - And he said to me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near." Revelation 22:10 (NASB)

The time is near. I know several people who are convinced that not only are we in the end times--but that the end is imminent. That's right...about to happen. Watch for signs in the sky. Red sky in the night, sailor's delight...red sky in the morning, sailor take warning. Jesus gave His disciples clues for the end times. Wars and rumors of wars...famines and earthquakes. See Mark 13.

Are you looking for signs of the end times?

What are you doing with your time…as you wait for Jesus’ return? Read and memorize more of God’s word in the coming weeks and months of the coming new year. I am challenged that I need to “hide” more of God’s word in my heart. Will you join me as we discover again promises and treasures in this book we know as The Bible?

Prayer – Lord God, may we distinctly see the blessings that You are giving us as we wait for Jesus return. Help us not to just have hindsight…looking back and saying “Oh, yes. Now I see that God blessed me last year…or ten years ago.” Let us see You in action in our lives every day, moment by moment. Our hope is not just in going to Heaven to be with You someday…but in the reality that You are with us ALWAYS—even now today.

Bible Reading: December - Revelation 19-22

It is Finished! Did you read through the Bible in 2018? Will you try to read it through in 2019?

Happy New Year!

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

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

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Exalt Jesus the Messiah and King

Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. Acts 2:33 (N ASB)

 

Exalted. Placed at a high level. It must have been exalting--blissful joy--for Jesus to have been taken back up into heaven. That is another wonderful promise fulfilled in Jesus. Exalted and sitting at the right hand--the favored position--of our Heavenly Father by the promise and power of the Holy Spirit.

     - The LORD reigns! Let the peoples tremble. He is enthroned above the cherubim. Let the earth quake. Yahweh is great in Zion; He is exalted above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awe-inspiring name. He is holy. The mighty King loves justice. You have established fairness; You have administered justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the LORD our God; bow in worship at His footstool. He is holy. Moses and Aaron were among His priests; Samuel also was among those calling on His name. They called to Yahweh and He answered them. He spoke to them in a pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them. LORD our God, You answered them. You were a forgiving God to them, an avenger of their sinful actions. Exalt the LORD our God; bow in worship at His holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy. Psalm 99:1-9 (HCSB)

Hiking and talking along a Badger Mt. trail.

Will you exalt our holy King Jesus and bow before Him on His throne? Will you teach your children and grandchildren to exalt the Lord...as you walk and talk with them?

Prayer – Lord God, may we distinctly see the blessings that You are giving us as we worship and exalt Jesus. Help us not to just have hindsight…looking back and saying “Oh, yes. Now I see that God blessed me last year…or ten years ago.” Let us see You in action in our lives every day, moment by moment. Our hope is not just in going to Heaven to be with You someday…but in the reality that You are with us ALWAYS—even now today.

Bible Reading: December 30 - Revelation 12-18

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

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

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Pure Promises Revisited

The LORD's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over. Psalm 12:6  

When silver is mined it is combined with other metals like copper and gold. It is not in a pure state so silver has to go through a process to become pure. God treats His chosen ones in much the same way. We have to be pure to one day stand before the throne of God. Only the holy can enter into His presence. 

Listen to me, O family of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel and born into the family of Judah. Listen, you who take oaths in the name of the LORD and call on the God of Israel. You don't keep your promises, even though you call yourself the holy city and talk about depending on the God of Israel, whose name is the LORD of Heaven's Armies. Long ago I told you what was going to happen. Then suddenly I took action, and all my predictions came true. For I know how stubborn and obstinate you are. Your necks are as unbending as iron. Your heads are as hard as bronze. That is why I told you what would happen; I told you beforehand what I was going to do. Then you could never say, 'My idols did it. My wooden image and metal god commanded it to happen!' You have heard my predictions and seen them fulfilled, but you refuse to admit it. Now I will tell you new things, secrets you have not yet heard. They are brand new, not things from the past. So you cannot say, 'We knew that all the time!' Yes, I will tell you of things that are entirely new, things you never heard of before. For I know so well what traitors you are. You have been rebels from birth. Yet for my own sake and for the honor of my name, I will hold back my anger and not wipe you out. I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering. I will rescue you for my sake—yes, for my own sake! I will not let my reputation be tarnished, and I will not share my glory with idols! Listen to me, O family of Jacob, Israel my chosen one! I alone am God, the First and the Last. Isaiah 48:1-12.

Zechariah wrote about the end times and the fate of the Israelites. Some of them will be refined—just like silver.

Two-thirds of the people in the land will be cut off and die," says the LORD. "But one-third will be left in the land. I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" Zechariah 13:8-9.

We must be pure…

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the LORD tests the heart. Proverbs 17:3.

As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it. For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you. “Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation. ... We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, 6. 

You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own. Leviticus 20:26. 

Heavenly realms - look for spiritual blessings.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:3-5.

Even as children of God…we must be holy and pure. It’s all about our choices. Choices we make before our holy and pure God. The God whose promises are pure. Look for His promises in His Word.  

Prayer ~ Lord God, as we end this year and look forward to a new year, show us Your promises and help us to live pure and holy lives that are acceptable to You.

Bible Reading: December 29 - Revelation 6 -11 

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

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

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There is Nothing to Eat

Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, "Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place." But Jesus said, "You feed them." "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?" For there were about 5,000 men there. Jesus replied, "Tell them to sit down in groups of about fifty each." So the people all sat down. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers! Luke 9:12-17

The Sea of Galilee - near Bethsaida.

There is nothing to eat here in this remote place. Have you even had nothing to eat? That is how it was after Jesus had been teaching these thousands of people…and they were hungry and tired. There was a little boy with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish. Jesus blessed that food and it stretched…it was enough to feed five thousand men and their families. They ate as much as they wanted! They didn't go away hungry--and there were leftovers!

What was going on before Jesus did this miracle? Jesus had sent His disciples out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. When they came back He wanted to take them to a quietly away to Bethsaida but people followed them.

But the crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick. Luke 9:11

Jesus welcomed them. He taught and healed them…and then He fed them. What a compassionate savior we have! Not thinking about Himself…He met their needs. He gave them as much as they wanted. How much do you want of what Jesus has to offer you?

How many times do you wish for a little quiet time…in your office, your home or even when you take a vacation…and you just get surrounded or confronted by others? Whatever their need…food for thought or food for their stomachs…people are basically the same as those during Jesus time. Can you provide for them if they have no food? Is it spiritual or physical food of which they are in need? For those five thousand men and their families it seems that it was both spiritual teaching and then a good meal that they needed. Jesus provided both. Like them—we may be searching for both, too.

  

Prayer ~ Lord God, show us Your promises and help us to live pure and holy lives that are acceptable to You. Thank you for so generously supplying our daily bread. Please provide for those in need…just like You did when You fed the 5,000 men. No one went away hungry...spiritually or physically.

Bible Reading: December 28: Revelation 1-5

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

As usual every Friday is Feast Day—Feasting at the King’s Table. We can’t live on just spiritual food …nor can we live on bread alone. We’ve got to have some meat, veggies and fruit. Are you still full from all the feasting and snacking of Christmas? I am. We had such a wonderful Christmas dinner. I felt so blessed by the bounty that God has provided for us…and I felt a twinge of guilt knowing that there were homeless people out in the cold. What did they eat on Christmas day and would they eat today? Would they find the Mission that was serving a good hot meal? Sometimes the most I can do is pray for them and give to support the Missions efforts. Will we all sit around the same banquet table in heaven one day…feasting on prime rib?

My Favorite Prime Rib Roast

Choose a rib roast considering ½ pound of meat for each man and ¼ pound for each woman at the meal. Allow the meat to come to room temperature.

Spread Dijon mustard over the meat, sprinkle with granulated garlic and onion, then with Montreal Steak seasoning. Roll the roast in rock salt.

Preheat a meat smoker or oven to 220 degrees and roast the meat for about 20 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer comes to an internal temperature of 130 degrees for medium rare. Immediately remove the roast from the smoker and place the roast into a preheated 500 degree oven for five minutes to brown. (Alternatively you can sear the meat in a 500 degree oven for 5 minutes and then cook at 220 degrees until it reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees.) Remove the roast from the oven and cover loosely with foil to let rest for about 15 minutes. The internal temperature should rise to at least 140 degrees. Carve and serve with horseradish sauce or a cranberry-orange sauce.  

Consider all that the Lord has provided to you…like He provided for those 5,000 men who came to listen to Him.

Three Days After Christmas

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

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

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LOVE – A Command

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward.  2 John 1:5-8

Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. What has been your spiritual goal during 2018? Have you achieved that goal? Is love at the heart of your goals? John reminds us in this passage that Jesus taught that we are to love one another.

You can almost smell the fragrance of Love.

Love. That is the theme throughout the Bible.

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

God's love for the world is unfathomable. Would you give up your first born child as an act of love to provide salvation for mankind...or for anyone--your favorite friend or even for your worst enemy. Giving up what you love most shows love--deep, abiding, unfathomable love. We should love each other...just like God said.

   - Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love--not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 1 John 4:7-11

What is love? When I asked my sister, "How do you know if you love someone?' She told me, "You care more about them than about yourself." Good answer. Love others--care more about them than about yourself. Put others first. That is another teaching from Jesus. Do you love your neighbor as yourself? 

Prayer ~ Lord. I love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. You are awesome. Help me to love others for You...to love those around me...my neighbors as You would love them. Love is the key to life.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 and 3 John

Two Days After Christmas

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

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

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Now the Work of Christmas Begins

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 1:5-10

Sin...knowing what to do and NOT doing it. Do we need to face sin right after Christmas? Some of Jesus' first words were "Repent" after He spent time fasting in the desert--facing temptation.

     - From then on Jesus began to preach, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Matthew 4:17

Repent--turn from sin. That is important every day of the year. After repenting, it is a good time to begin serving God with the work of Christmas.

Now the Work of Christmas Begins (By Howard Thurman)

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flocks,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among the people,

To make music in the heart.

Snowmen - will they do the work do the work of Christmas?

These actions are all things that Jesus did. Think about what you need to do on a daily basis to keep Christmas alive, not only in your own life, but in the lives of those around you, all year long. Keeping Christmas alive allows God to work in our hearts—filling us with His love—so that we can love others for Him. From that list above do you see something that you can make for a goal for next year, next month, this week…today? Having a goal motivates us to put our heart's desires into action. 

Prayer ~ Lord. I trust and love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. You are awesome. The Advent season prepared me for forever with You. Protect those in Israel--may they come to know You, Jesus, as their Messiah. May that truth set them free to trust You. Give them Your peace.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 John

One Day After Christmas 

364 Days until Christmas 2019

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

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

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Merry Christmas – Worship the Lord

Daily Lectionary Readings

Psalm 96

Isaiah 9:2-7

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14  (15-20)

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder. For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor's rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will make this happen! Isaiah 9:2-7

What is in your heart today?

Are you living in darkness? Do you see the great light? May the nation and the people of Israel rejoice. Isaiah tells us that they will rejoice. Jesus was born for them and for us. The angels rejoiced. The shepherds rejoiced, Mary and Joseph rejoiced. Are you rejoicing…or are you burned out from the shopping and celebrating?

Let the light shine in your life…in your heart right now. Worship the Lord! Have you actually bowed down and worshiped Jesus? You don't have to be in church to worship. Right where you are you can bow down in your heart—praise the Lord—honor Him. Sing a new—or old song, hymn or spiritual song to Him. Give Him glory like the angels did when they declared His birth to the shepherds. He is your Messiah—my Messiah. We are part of God's miraculous plan to save mankind. Jesus is God's gift to us. For unto us a child is born, a son is given…. Isaiah 9:6. Open that gift carefully—and give it a special place—the center of your life—the throne of your heart. What is happening in your heart today?

Have you accepted God's gift? Is Jesus on the throne of your heart?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank You for humbling Yourself to become that baby in the manger and our Savior on the cross. I praise you and rejoice in receiving you as my "gift" today. 

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Timothy

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Share a gift with a homeless or needy person--or with your neighbor next door.

Merry Christmas Blessings

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

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

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Sing a New Song to the Lord!

Advent Lectionary Readings

Isaiah 9:2-7

Psalm 96

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)

Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods. The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the LORD made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary. O nations of the world, recognize the LORD; recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong. Give to the LORD the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts. Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. Tell all the nations, "The LORD reigns!" The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest rustle with praise before the LORD, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth. Psalm 96:1-13

It’s almost Christmas! Time to rejoice! Sing a new song to the Lord!

Have you ever made up a song? Literally a new song? When several of my grandchildren were born I made up a song…just for them. It has brought each of them joy—and it was such a wonderful calming effect on them when they were crying or upset. Their songs have made an impact on not only them…but the whole family. Other family members learned the kiddos’ songs and sang along—even if I wasn’t there. For at least a couple of them it became part of their tuck-in tradition.

Do you think Mary sang a special song to baby Jesus…maybe she even began singing to Him before He was born? There have been thousands of songs written to and about Jesus…praising Him. Worshiping Him. Have you ever considered “Singing a New Song” to Him? Making one up…or singing a Psalm? You do know that the Psalms are songs?

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3

Give Jesus a new song to celebrate His birth.

Prayer ~  Jesus—I sing a new song to You for You are worthy. Worthy is the Lamb. I rejoice in You. Let the whole earth sing to You. I look forward to Your coming...even in Judgment. 

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Timothy

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Make two lunches and give one away.

Only 1 Day Until Christmas

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

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

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How Easy is it for You to Accept a Gift?

Advent Lectionary Readings - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:2-5a

Psalm 80:1-7

Luke 1:39-55

Hebrews 10:5-10

Jesus was the ultimate gift from God to each of us.

For it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. That is why, when Christ came into the world, he said to God, "You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings. But you have given me a body to offer. You were not pleased with burnt offerings or other offerings for sin. Then I said, 'Look, I have come to do your will, O God—as is written about me in the Scriptures.'" First, Christ said, "You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them" (though they are required by the law of Moses). Then he said, "Look, I have come to do your will." He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Hebrews 10:4-10

Jesus tells us plainly that He came to do the will of the Father…and that God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of His body. Jesus paid the price for our sin…as long as we accept what He has done for us—we’ll be home free. He has given us the gift of salvation.

How easy is it for you to accept a gift? A gift that you don’t feel you deserve or of which you aren't worthy? That can be pretty hard to do. And then when someone gives you a gift, you feel obligated to give them a gift. What could you possibly give to Jesus in return for eternal life?

He did give us a command as He was getting ready to leave earth after His resurrection. He expects us to tell others about Him—about His gift of eternal life. That is Good News.

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. Mark 16:15-16

Who will you tell about Jesus today?

Prayer ~ Lord. You are my Messiah...my Lord...my Savior. I praise You and look forward to celebrating Your birth—as the shepherds and wise men did. Holy. Holy. Holy—are You, Lord God Almighty. Open the eyes of anyone reading this—and reveal Yourself as their Messiah.

Daily Bible Reading: Hebrews 11-13

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Give care packs to the homeless.

Only 2 Days Until Christmas

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

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

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What is Your Purpose?

Advent Lectionary Readings

Psalm 80:1-7

Isaiah 66:7-11

Luke 13:31-35

At that time some Pharisees said to him, "Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!" Jesus replied, "Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn't do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem! "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, 'Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!'" Luke 13:31-35

Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! That is Jesus…and missionaries around the world. Jesus said…I will accomplish my purpose. What do you think was or is Jesus’ purpose? When He was dying on the cross He indicated that His work on earth was done. What did He really come to do…and did He do it?

When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. John 19:30 NLT

And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega--the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. Revelation 21:6

But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don't believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father." John 10:38

Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." Matthew 9:13

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

"Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed." Revelation 16:15

Jesus came to bring salvation to mankind, to teach, to heal and to show them how to live. He came to bring life—an abundant life.

What is your purpose? Are you accomplishing that?

For me…I want to live to please the Lord—to go to Heaven and to take as many people with me as possible.

Prayer ~ Lord God, what can I do for You today to further You Kingdom? Who do You want me to talk to or to help? How can I be Your hands and feet today?

Daily Bible Reading: Hebrews 7-10
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Make a special treat associated with your heritage, like latke, stollen, strudel or gingerbread, and share it with friends and family. 

Only 3 Days Until Christmas

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

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

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We Are The Faithful Ones

Advent Lectionary Readings

Psalm 80:1-7

Isaiah 42:10-18

Hebrews 10:32-39

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. Hebrews 10:32-39

We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. How interested or excited are you about Christ’s return? For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. The Coming One…Jesus Christ—the King of Kings. Only the Heavenly Father knows the exact day when Christ will return.

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. ...

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! Mark 13:26, 32-33

Late Sunrise...Early Sunset
Not many hours of daylight today.

Today is the shortest day of the year and one that some of the doomsayers predict as the day of Christ’s return. Remember that only the Heavenly Father knows—so just make sure you are ready. Forgive and be forgiven. Then sit back…have another cup of hot chocolate, share with your friends, neighbors or relatives the things that God has been doing in your life. The best is yet to come. When? Who knows. Are you ready?

Prayer ~ Lord, Thank you for purifying us from our sins. You are awesome--King of King, Lord of Lords. May You be glorified—above angels. We look forward to your return. We are the faithful ones.

Daily Bible Reading: Hebrews 1-6
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Give a gift card or plate of homemade cookies to your postman.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Need a last minute Christmas gift or treat? Here's a simple, yummy and easy fudge recipe.

Simple Fudge

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 12 ounce bag chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp salt

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

Melt ingredients over low heat. Pour into pan. Let cool. Remove from pan. Cut and enjoy!

For variation add:

-          5-6 drops peppermint oil and top with broken peppermint chips.

-          Double batch, using peanut butter chips for one batch. Then use chocolate chips for another batch and layer the two in the pan. Swirl.  Cool. Cut serve.

Only 4 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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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