I Have All That I Need

Memory Verse of the Week ~

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

Poppies growing wild in Israel

Read it in context.

No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 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. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:24-34

Years ago I learned the song, “Seek Ye First” that is taken from this scripture and I wondered what these things that will be added were, so I went back to the Bible and looked at that. This passage is from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount when He was giving his followers practical teaching on life. The verses before this memory verse tell us that we just don’t have to worry about food or clothes. The Lord will provide what we need. No worries. No anxiety. Do you have food in your cupboards and refrigerator? How about clothes in your closet? Most people have more than they need. That’s when we need to share. Give to others. In a discussion about the final judgment Jesus taught about how we are to treat others.

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' Matthew 25:34-40

My favorite verse to quote to my grandkids when there is some little argument is the Golden Rule. Treat others the way you want them to treat you. Do you really want others to pull your hair, hit you, or break your crayons?

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. Matthew 7:12

Seek God’s ways. Live righteously. He has promised that He will provide everything you need.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are my shepherd; I have all that I need. You let me rest in green meadows; You lead me beside peaceful streams. You renew my strength. You guide me along right paths, bringing honor to Your name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6. Thank You, Lord, for Your promise, provision and protection.

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 3-5

© 2019 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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Where Will You Spend Eternity

Memory Verse of the Week ~

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

You have eternal life. Eternal life with God…or eternal life without God. The choice is yours. Forever is a long time. I will be singing praises to Jesus forever...in heaven. Just think how it was at His triumphal entry into Jerusalem the week before He died. Crowds were singing praises to Him.

When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. "Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!" Luke 19:37-38

Road at the Mount of Olives
Who will sing Hosannas to the Lord?

At this triumphal entry the crowds thought that Jesus was to be their political savior…but He is our spiritual savior. The Messiah. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Those who believe in the name of the Son of God…those who believe in Jesus…will have eternal life. Will you be singing praises to Jesus…forever in heaven? God loves you...and wants you to be with Him...forever.

Prayer ~ Jesus, Just as Your followers glorified You as You entered Jerusalem singing praises to You, I lift Your name in song, joyfully praising You. May all that I think, sing, say and do bring glory and honor to You. You are blessed!

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 1-2

© 2019 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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Banquet in Heaven

Memory Verse of the Week ~

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Eternal life. Eternal life in Heaven will include a great banquet. What food do you expect at that Banquet? Seafood is so very tasty. I would hope we'll have some in Heaven.

Here on earth…God made the oceans and the fish.

Then God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply. Let the fish fill the seas, and let the birds multiply on the earth." Genesis 1:22

The LORD does whatever pleases him throughout all heaven and earth, and on the seas and in their depths. Psalm 135:6

The Lord does what He wants to do. I hope it includes serving seafood in Heaven!

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am listening to Your Word…to Your voice calling me to obedience. May all that I think, say and do bring You honor and glory as I wait for that great Banquet we will all have together in Heaven.

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 22-24

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Seafood Stew

One of my all-time favorite foods is a seafood stew called Cioppino. Different restaurants all along the Oregon coast prepare it with lots of variation in the names and ingredients. It is not a poor man's stew--but I'm sure some alternative ingredients could bring the cost down while still keeping the taste incredible. 

Here's my rendition of this stew that I most recently enjoyed in Pacific City, Oregon at the original Pelican's.  

Seafood Stew – Cioppino for 8

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, coarsely chopped

4 garlic cloves, grated

2½ teaspoons fresh thyme

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1 tsp fresh fennel, chopped

1/2 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes

1 dried bay leaf

1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes with juice, crushed

1 cup dry white wine

1½ cups water

1 cup fish stock or bottled clam juice

2 pounds shell-on Dungeness crab legs, cut into 2-inch pieces (optional)

20 littleneck clams, scrubbed well

1 pound firm, skinless fish fillets (red snapper or salmon), cut into bite-size pieces

12 medium scallops

1 cup coarsely chopped calamari rings

16 small octopuses

1 pound large shrimp (about 30), peeled and deveined, tails left on if desired

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

½ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Tasty little octopus

1. Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic until onion is translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes, and bay leaf.

2. Add crushed tomatoes and their juice, white wine, water, and fish stock; bring to a simmer. Note you can make this stew to this point and save it in the refrigerator for 2 days. Heat to simmer when ready to continue preparing the stew.

3. Add crab and clams. Simmer, covered, until crab shells turn bright pink and clam shells open, about 10 minutes. Season fish with salt and pepper. Add fish, shrimp, scallops, squid, and scallops to stockpot. Simmer, covered, until fish is opaque and shrimp are pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Discard bay leaf and any unopened clams.

4. Remove pot from heat. Sprinkle with parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy with a crusty French bread.

© 2019 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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Breath of Life

Memory Verse of the Week ~
I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Man was created from the dust of the earth.

Eternal life began for mankind the moment that God breathed into Adam.
Then the LORD God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 HCSB
Man was created to live in fellowship with God forever. Other animals don't have that spiritual relationship with God that men and women have. It came when God breathed life. I don't think we know just how long Adam and Eve lived before they messed up and God put them out of the Garden, but once they ate of the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, life changed. Death came into the big picture. That was a spiritual death that separated mankind from God, as well as created physical death. That sin must, have made our gracious and merciful God very unhappy. He had given Adam and Eve a choice...and they made a poor decision. Each of us has the opportunity for obedience or for rebellion. What do you choose today?

Prayer ~ Lord God, your creations--the universe, magnificent oceans teaming with unique sea life, miriads of plant life, and the amazing variety of animals--including mankind--are astounding! I continue to be amazed by Your creativity. Help me to keep my attitude in check that I wouldn't be rebellious but would live in obedience to You--pleasing You in my every thought, word and action.

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 19-21

© 2019 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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Have Confidence

Memory Verse of the Week ~

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Jesus is creating a home for you in Heaven.

It will be even more magnificent than this castle along the Rhine River. 

You have eternal life! Know that! Jesus loves you. God the Father loves you--and you are living forever--yes FOREVER with them!  What a glorious feelimg. My four year old granddaughter, Julia, stopped what she was playing recently and looked me right in the eyes and asked me very seriously "iIs it true that there will be diamonds and jewels in heaven?" "Oh yes" I said..."and streets of gold". She literally clapped her hands with a big smile--eyes twinkling.  Like most four year old girls--and even those over 64...love sparkly things. Heaven is going to be so awesome--beyond our imaginations--but then 4-year olds have great imaginations!

Eternal life is what God has promised us. 

     So you must remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning. If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life he promised us. 1 John 2:24-25

Confidence. That is what John gives us in this week's scripture from the Lord. Just before that verse! John gave some qualifications. God's love in unconditional once He knows that the person is serious about his own convictions--his or her beliefs. Actually God's love is totally unconditional--it's just that He doesn't give the gift of eternal life for good works, good looks, good behavior, or family genealogy. He gives eternal life to those who believe. We can have confidence in that. 

     All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don't believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don't believe what God has testified about his Son. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life. 1 John 5:10-12

So, have confidence in that assurance of eternal life.

     This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God--who does not lie--promised them before the world began. Titus 1:2

There is a song in "The Sound of Music" that says... "I have confidence in sunshine. I have confidence in rain...I have confidence in confidence itself...."  Well, I have confidence in God to keep His promises--and to give eternal life those who believe in His Son, Jesus. God keeps His promises. Do you have confidence in God and His promises?

Prayer ~ I praise You, Jesus, for Your willingness to sacrifice Your life for me…for my family, friends and all mankind. Lord God--I have confidence in Your assurance that we will one day live forever with You in Heaven...and that our eternal life begins when we trust that Jesus Christ is our Messiah. 

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 16-18

© 2019 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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Walking in Obedience Towards Eternal Life

Memory Verse of the Week ~

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Walking together...in step.
Uncle Barry & Amelia

Are you walking in obedience towards Eternal Life?

But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the LORD your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul. Joshua 22:5

Walk in God’s ways and obey His commands. Is there a difference between walking like someone walks…their ways…and walking with them? I think there is a difference. If you just walk the way someone…like God…wants you to walk and live—then you are going through the motions of pleasing them—though not necessarily in their presence. But if you walk with them…with God…then you are “in step” and in His presence, thus doing more than following. You are in synch…becoming part of Him. Walking in His presence (as in Psalm 56) is what Enoch did…and what Adam and Eve probably experienced before their rebellion.

So obey the commands of the LORD your God by walking in his ways and fearing him. - Deuteronomy 8:6 

I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light. Psalm 56:10-13

Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him. Genesis 5:23-24

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 NASB

Enoch walked in fellowship with God. How would you describe your “walk” with God? During this time of Lent is your walk away from or towards your Heavenly Father? I am running to His arms.

Prayer ~ I praise You, Jesus, for Your willingness to sacrifice Your life for me…for my family, friends and all mankind. Your mercy is gracious and so appreciated. I choose to walk humbly with You, in obedience and loving kindness.

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 12-15

© 2019 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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Ask in Jesus Name

Memory Verse of the Week ~

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Through to clouds...to Heaven.
Eternal Life is waiting for you.
Do you want it?

Eternal Life. Is that something you want…something you desire? To live forever with God?

And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 1 John 5:20

Jesus, the Son of God, has given us understanding. If you don’t have it…ask for it. During their last hours together Jesus gave His disciples some instructions about praying…asking.

I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!  John 14:12-14

Ask and you will receive. Knowledge. Understanding. Eternal Life.

Prayer ~ Thank You Lord, for being my Savior, for giving me eternal life. Every day until You return…or until I die…help me to live by Your glorious standard in a way that pleases You in my every thought, word and action.

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 9-11

© 2019 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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Save the World

Memory Verse of the Week ~

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13

Read the verse in context.

Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don't believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don't believe what God has testified about his Son. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God's Son does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5:9-15

Rose Blossom
Hoping and trusting
that this rose will bloom....
into a beautiful flower.
Assurance of things hoped for.

Assurance of faith. Faith…Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1.  Faith is a good thing. It is a promise that God gives us…believe in Jesus and you will have eternal life. God created mankind to have a relationship with Him. He created us in His image…and breathed life into us. Spiritual life. He knew from the beginning that mankind was different from other animals and He looked forward to those walks in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. As time went on He set aside one man, Abraham, and his family to be chosen people. Then God extended that “chosen” attribute to all people who believed in His Son, Jesus, as the Savior of the world. To those people God gave eternal life to be spent with Him. There is no greater love that that.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18

Is your spiritual life giving you the assurance of deeper faith and eternal life with God?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank you for being the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. May we clearly hear Your voice for Your very words give us faith for eternal life, strength and spiritual healing. I am patiently awaiting Your return.

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 5-8

© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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What Happened? Why Can’t You Trust God?

Memory Verse of the Week ~

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

Is something bugging you?
Soldier beetle on my patio screen this week. 

What keeps you from knowing God more? From having a good relationship with Him? From trusting Him?  Did you have a bad experience at church…with someone who claimed to be a Christian but didn’t really live a Christian life nor treat you with respect? Does something just bug you about religion…about Christianity? Do you have trouble accepting the idea that the God who created the universe loves you enough to die for you? Some people are so angry or guilt ridden when having to confront the sin in their lives that they just can’t accept God’s forgiveness or His love. They may feel unworthy or can’t get beyond the mistakes in their lives. Can you let go of that sin against you or that you committed? God’s love is so great and He is so very accepting of everyone. He doesn’t want anyone to perish.

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

In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:14

May I challenge you to acknowledge God’s love and mercy in your life? If you want, you can become part of God’s family.

Prayer ~ Jesus…I seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and with Your help I hope to live righteously, knowing that You will give me everything I need. I’m not worried about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33-34. To all who believed in You, Jesus, and accept You, our Heavenly Father gave the right to become His children. John 1:12. That’s me…I’m one of Your family.

Daily Bible Reading: Joshua 1-4

© 2019 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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Joyful Day

Memory Verse of the Week ~

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

We are mid-way through this season of Lent. Do you feel that you are drawing closer to the Lord? Are you growing in your love and devotion for Jesus…and eternally more grateful for His ultimate sacrifice for you? Lent is a time for introspection and thus repentance and recommitment to the Lord.

This passage of scripture above is so encouraging. Though we are being tested…we have a pure, undefiled, priceless inheritance. Yes. Priceless. We couldn’t buy it if we tried. Christ paid the ultimate price with the sacrifice of His life on the cross. Nothing we can do or “pay” would ever be enough to get us into God’s Kingdom of heaven—that is our priceless inheritance, as we are God’s children.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23  

Allow your faith to become strong. Don’t give into temptation or fall away from God when trials seem tough. Hang in there and depend on the Lord. That will bring glory to Him…and according to Peter…praise, honor and glory to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. Love God…Love Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Even though you don’t see Him—He is real. Trust Him—even though you can’t see Him right now. Just rejoice and be glad—joyful because He is worth it. The reward of heaven will be worth the trials and struggles now. Don’t give up or give in. Stay strong in the Lord—even though you can’t see Him.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, help us to hear Your words clearly, and with wisdom to understand. I praise You that You are my Lord and Savior. I look forward to the day when I see You in Heaven—face to face.

Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 32-34; Psalm 91

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Peter's Fish
Sea of Galilee - Israel

What did Jesus eat? Normal foods for His day. Grain, figs, fish and before He was crucified we know He ate the Passover Meal in the Upper Room with His disciples. After His Resurrection we have a couple of examples of meals He ate.

With the travelers that He met on the Road to Emmaus He ate bread. Was it unleavened bread? Likely since it was still Passover—or the Feast of Unleavened Bread that is celebrated for the seven days following Passover.

Then Jesus ate fish, cooked over a fire on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, with His disciples. Throw the net over the right side of the boat. They caught a net full of fish…and He already had some cooking on the fire. Those were probably tasty fish served with bread (see John 21:4-14) that Jesus—the ever humble servant—had freshly prepared.

Roasted Fish

One cleaned fish per person—depending on the size of the fish—and the appetite of the person

Olive oil - pour gently over or rub on the fish before roasting

Salt and pepper if desired and available

Prepare hot coals on a grill. Grill the fish for about ten minutes per side or until the fish flakes easily. Serve with fresh bread.

While roasting the fish, throw a few figs on the fire, too. Figs. Sweet, soft, fresh and tasty no matter where you are in the world.

Save this recipe for when there are fresh figs available in the grocery store. Then create some wonderful roasted figs and savor them as a side dish or even a dessert.

Roasted Figs

Just slice in half and grill over indirect heat for a few minutes. The natural sugars will caramelize. If you like you can just remove the stem and stuff with gorgonzola cheese and then grill. Top with ice cream, if you like.

                                          Happy 10^th Birthday, Isaac!

May God bless and guide you always.

Listen and Obey

© 2019 Text and Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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What Do You Reflect? Light or Darkness?

Memory Verse of the Week ~

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12  

Paul gave some great advice to the church at Philippi that is as good today as it was in AD 61 when Paul wrote it. He reminds us that God is working in us…and that we need to be obedient. You think of little children arguing, but grownups do it, too. Why? Is it just because of our selfish sinful nature? 

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. Philippians 2:12-16

Everyone has a choice. Choose to be grumpy and argumentative under the influence of the evil one or to be obedient children of God.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19

Lighthouse at Mukilteo, Washington
Shining Light. Reflecting Light.

Once again…it is our choice how we live. In obedience to God reflecting His light…or in our own glory, reflecting the darkness of the evil one.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I rejoice in hearing Your instructions. Help me to be obedient. Guide my heart, mind and actions that I would reflect Your light and be more loving to others.

Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 30-31

© 2019 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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Watch and Pray

Memory Verse of the Week ~

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26

What will the children of God have to endure? War, Famines, Earthquakes—do you feel it—or hear it even now? Yes. They are happening today.  These same disasters are foretold to occur during the Tribulation. Hopefully by then the children of God will have been raptured. We have to trust God for His mercy and protection. Only God knows the hour or the day of the end times.

Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Matthew 24:7-11

In the prophetic book of Revelation it is noted that during the Tribulation there are seven seals that are broken. When the fourth seal is broken it proclaims that death by the sword…or war…and famine will occur to a great part of the world’s population.

When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living being say, "Come!" I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease and wild animals. Revelation 6:7-8

The sixth seal deals with an earthquake.

I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood. Revelation 6:12

Wars. Wars are occurring today…although we are not in the time of the Tribulation. In recent history we can see statistics from Afghanistan, Mexico, Yeman and Syria where over 20,000 thousand people in each country were killed in conflicts during 2018.

Famines have been part of history forever. Look at Abraham. God was with him and he had to go through famines. Have you ever been hungry…truly hungry? People are starving due to famines right now somewhere on earth. Just look at the news.

Have you ever experienced an earthquake? I’ve seen the ground swelling—like a wave—and then felt that wave move through our home where we were living in Okinawa. I’ve felt a couple of other tremors—but never experienced a real ground shaking, walls and building falling earthquake. They happen every day around the world. Check out a website like earthquaketrack.com or earthquake.usgs.gov. There were 12 earthquakes around the world with a magnitude over 2.5 on the day I last check the usgs site. Those are of small magnitude, but recordable and certainly felt by someone in the immediate vicinity. There are predictions for a big earthquake to occur along the Cascadia fault in the Pacific Ocean off the Washington coast sometime soon. Time will tell, but only God knows exactly when anything will occur.

Persecution. Not a word we like to hear any more than wars, famines or earthquakes, but it is a word that affects Christians around the world, daily. When it affects our brothers and sisters in the Lord, it affects us. We are part of the body of Christ. Do you feel hated because you are a follower of Jesus Christ? You may one day soon.

Again Jesus warned His disciples…don’t be deceived. Watch and wait for Jesus—the true Christ to return. Don’t be deceived by false prophets.

Psalms give us some encouragement and hope.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. Psalm 46:1-5

We don’t have to fear…

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

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

Replica of old watch tower.
Israel
Watch and pray.

Trust God…He has a plan and offers salvation to everyone who believes. Salvation from sin. Believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior. He is the Messiah for Israel and the whole world.Watch and pray.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I hear your warning…wars, famines, earthquakes and persecution. But I trust in You for salvation…and protection. I praise You—for You are that true God—the living Messiah—who came to set us free. Thank You.

Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 28-29

© 2019 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.

www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Choices for God’s Children

Memory Verse of the Week ~

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

God’s family is special. There is no doubt about it. God loved the world…yes, everyone in the world, so much…. They could all be part of His family, if they want to. He offers everyone that choice. Believe.

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

Children of God have choices to make…just like everyone else. Sin or not sin.

Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God. - 1 John 3:9-10 NLT

Looking towards Jerusalem and the Eastern Gate.
From the Mt of Olives - Israel.

As time goes on that living righteously and enduring persecution or rejection may become more important. When sitting together at the Mt of Olives His disciples asked about the end times, Jesus told them…

Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Matthew 24:12-14

The End Will Come. Jesus told His disciples what to expect…and it was recorded for us.

The Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole whole…and then end will come. Is that what you’ve been waiting for?

The one who endures to the end will be saved.

We know from many Old Testament verses that God’s love endures forever.

Praise the LORD! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

God’s love endures…but what about the love for God in His followers? God’s love flows through those who love Him…so we can assume that His love will be persistent—a constant presence in our lives. We know that He chooses us…and that we have free will to choose to follow Him and His ways…or to rebelliously follow our own will. So endure. Don’t grow cold. Keep the heat of the Holy Spirit in your heart…and the light of the Lord burning within you. Stay in His Word—sharing the Good News of the Kingdom with others.

Prayer ~ LORD God, You are living among us. You are a mighty savior. I hope that You will take delight in me with gladness. With Your love, You will calm all my fears. You will rejoice over all believers with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17

Daily Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 24-27

Happy Anniversary, Michelle & Jacob

© 2019 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.

www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading