What Should We Do?

Think about what you’ve heard. Can you apply it to your life?

Baptism in the Jordan River

Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles--all who have been called by the Lord our God." Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day--about 3,000 in all. Acts 2:37-41

Think about what you just heard…about what Peter preached in Acts 2:14-36. Read it for yourselves. Jesus was crucified, died, buried and on the third day He was resurrected.  Peter and the other disciples as well as other followers were witnesses to these events. Jesus was the Messiah…He IS the Messiah. 

What are you going to do with that information? Those who were there asked Peter “what should we do?” and Peter told them to “repent” and “be baptized.”  This scripture applies to everyone. Repent and be baptized. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Who doesn’t like a gift? This is an awesome gift. The Holy Spirit Himself—given by God the Father to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior. Does life get any better?

During this time of “isolation” with the COVID crisis it may not seem like life could get better. Some people have lost family members, jobs, businesses, security, finances…but we still have God. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Do you feel forsaken? Most of us can’t even go to church…or be with family and friends. That leaves us feeling depressed, anxious, forsaken, or abandoned. But spiritually we are not forsaken. There is hope. Hope that God will continue to love us—He has not forgotten His people. Trust is a hard word when the cupboards are bare and you don’t know where the next meal is coming from. Still I say…trust. God hasn‘t forgotten His church. On this day that is the birthday of the church…look for joy. What can you do for someone else? Is it only a prayer…or a package of ramen noodles? Those Christians in the early church did what they could to help others.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity-- all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

Share—that is the best we can do. Look around you for opportunities to share what you have…time, prayers, and encouraging words. Love one another as Christ loved you. That is a pretty big order. He gave His very life for us.

Prayer ~ I praise You, God. You did not ignore my prayer or withdraw Your unfailing love from me.Psalm 66:20

Verse of Salvation ~ Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Psalm 68:19

 

© 2020 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Pentecost is Coming...Again

Meditate.

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. Acts 2:1-4

What is Pentecost? What was its significance in the Old Testament and in the early Christian church?

What does it mean to us today?

Good questions that may need some searching answers. Pentecost didn’t just happen in there in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit came to the believers. It was an ancient Jewish festival that required all able bodied males to go to the temple in Jerusalem to worship the Lord God and to give an offering. The specific declaration of that was given in Exodus 23:14-19 and Leviticus 23:9-22. There are references to Jesus attending other festivals—Passover and the Feast of Booths—but not Pentecost. After His death and resurrection, Jesus stayed around on earth for forty days (Acts 1:3) and then He ascended to Heaven. Jesus told His followers to remain in Jerusalem, which they did for another ten days until the day of Pentecost. On that day when they were gathered together the Holy Spirit, as promised by God the Father through Jesus the Son, filled the hearts and lives of those followers. On the day of His resurrection Jesus visited His disciples in the Upper Room and gave them the Holy Spirit.

Again he said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:21-22

When John baptized Jesus at the beginning of His ministry, he declared that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!" Mark 1:8

I think it is kind of interesting—although not significant—that the believers had fire on their heads, but they weren’t burnt. This same type of thing, fire but not being burnt, happened in a fiery furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. ….Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke! Daniel 3:19, 27

  

Likewise, what appeared as tongues of fire did not burn the believers as they were baptized by the Holy Spirit. The significance here was that the Holy Spirit was poured out on all these believers at the same time. Now each believer receives the Holy Spirit individually as they repent of their sins and declare their belief in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Don’t expect to see flames dancing on anyone’s head. We can continually be filled with the Holy Spirit—in fact that should be the desire of our hearts daily—to be renewed.

So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:15-20

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10. Come and fill me with Your love that I may be used to serve others for God.

Verse of Salvation ~ But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!" - Psalm 40:16

© 2020 Text and painting by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Are You Counting the Days Since Passover?

Meditate.

Each year every man in Israel must celebrate these three festivals: the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Harvest, and the Festival of Shelters. On each of these occasions, all men must appear before the LORD your God at the place he chooses, but they must not appear before the LORD without a gift for him. Deuteronomy 16:16

The Jewish festival of Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah. It is also call Pentecost or Feast of Weeks, originally known as the Festival of Harvest and Latter Firstfruits. It occurs fifty days after Passover at the beginning the wheat harvest season, at the end of May or early in June. Moses was given specific instructions by God for the Hebrew people.

Each year you must celebrate three festivals in my honor. First, celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, just as I commanded you. Celebrate this festival annually at the appointed time in early spring, in the month of Abib, for that is the anniversary of your departure from Egypt. No one may appear before me without an offering. Second, celebrate the Festival of Harvest, when you bring me the first crops of your harvest. Finally, celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season, when you have harvested all the crops from your fields. At these three times each year, every man in Israel must appear before the Sovereign, the LORD. You must not offer the blood of my sacrificial offerings together with any baked goods containing yeast. And do not leave the fat from the festival offerings until the next morning. As you harvest your crops, bring the very best of the first harvest to the house of the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother's milk. Exodus 23:14-19

 Additional directions for the observance were provided in Leviticus 23:9-22.

The Holy Spirit

Fifty days after the Passover that marked the death of the first born…Jesus. He was the Firstfruit and Pentecost marks the beginning of Christian church when the Holy Spirit was given to the believers on that first Pentecost after Jesus’ death and resurrection. That Pentecost was the fulfillment of prophesy given in the Festival of Weeks that predicted the coming of the Holy Spirit and the inception of the church. That was just the beginning.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:11.

Verse of Salvation ~ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8

Tell others about Jesus—that is our mission.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Rhubarb is an early crop and we’ve already had our first harvest.

It makes a great dessert as a cake, cobbler or even a breakfast muffin.

Rhubarb Muffins
Adapted fron Muffin Mania by Cathy Prange & Joan Pauli

1¼ cups flour or gluten free flour mixture

1½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
½ cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon
1½ cups diced rhubarb
1 egg
½ cup milk
¼ cup oil
1 tsp almond extract
slivered almonds and sugar for topping

Mix dry ingredients. Beat egg, add milk, oil, and almond extract. Pour egg mixture over dry ingredients and stir to moisten. Fold in rhubarb. Garnish with almond slivers.
Bake at 375-degrees for 20 minutes. Dip tops of warm muffins in sugar.

© 2020 Text and painting by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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Ready or Not

Meditate.

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Matthew 24:44 and Luke 12:40

Jesus told His disciples and other followers…be ready. Do you feel like you are ready for Christ’s return? Whether this passage is about the Rapture or the Second Coming of Christ, does it matter? We should be ready, all the  time. What does it mean to be ready? No bags to pack…we can’t take anything with us. Our treasures are already stored up in heaven. How about spiritually ready? What do we have to do?

Well—you must be born again…saved. In the process of salvation, you’ve confessed your sins to God. Now you are justified… it is just as if you’d never sinned. That is a big step…but confession of sin—in thought, words or actions—needs to continue on a daily basis. It is not a once done forever done step in the Christian walk. That is where sanctification comes in.  It is a process of continually renewing your mind—the way you think.

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

Right living—doing that which is good and pleasing and perfect—results in sanctification, living a holy life—righteous and pleasing to God.

God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. 1 Thessalonians 4:7

These may seem like big words—but they really aren’t. They are associated with simple actions: confession of sin and choices that lead to leading a pure life—not bogged down by sin and guilt. Would you like that? Everyone has a choice…lots of choices moment by moment, even if we are in “isolation” due to the COVID-19 crisis.

There are some other examples in the Bible of being ready.

Be ready in the morning to climb up Mount Sinai and present yourself to me on the top of the mountain. Exodus 34:2

When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 2 Timothy 2:21

Choose this day whom you will serve…and if you’ll be ready if this is the day…or the week…or the month or the year...that Christ returns. Ready or not…here He comes.

Prayer –Lord God, show me what I need to do to be ready for Your return. Give me opportunities to encourage others to seek and find You as their Savior. May more people come to know You today and in the coming days so that Heaven will be filled with joyous praise for You.

Verse of Salvation ~ And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Will you be ready?

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Happy 77th Birthday, Jerry

Consider that every day is the Lord’s Day. Meditate on His Words.

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. ... You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.  Psalm 118:24, 28-29

Seven is a perfect number in the Bible. God created everything in six days and then He rested on the seventh day. Noah and his family waited in the Ark for seven days before the rain came. Jacob worked for seven years for each of his wives (Genesis 29). Joseph predicted the seven years of abundance and then seven years of famine from the dream of Egypt’s Pharoh (Genesis 41) and the Jews were saved in the midst of that famine. Shadrach, Meshach and Aben-nego were thrown into a fiery furnace seven time hotter than normal (Daniel 3:19).  There are seven lamps in the lampstands in the Tabernacle (Exodus 25). The list goes on. There about 363 instances of “seven” in the Bible, depending on the translation you search. 

    77

So seven being perfect, seventy-seven is a special year, too. Rejoice. Have great joy—seventy-seven years of good living for the Lord is certainly something about which to rejoice. This is the day that the Lord has created…rejoice.

The longest Psalm in the Bible is about the only one that actually has seventy-seven verses. Of course, the whole Bible was not written with chapters and verses, but many of the books are actually letters that were divided up at a much later date into the order that we now have in our Bibles.

You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments. Let me be united with all who fear you, with those who know your laws. May I be blameless in keeping your decrees; then I will never be ashamed. Psalm 119:73-80

This section of Psalm 119 (with verse 77 in bold text) reflects on knowing God—respecting Him. He made us and He loves us so much that He guides us, disciplining us to help us follow His commandments—blameless so that we can bring Him honor and not disgrace. Our God truly is an awesome God and we put our hope in Him.

Prayer ~Lord God, Bless Jerry, my dear husband, that he would have many days ahead in which You can surround him with Your tender mercies so he may live, for Your instructions are his delight (from Psalm 119:77). This is the day that You have made, Lord. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Praising and thanking You with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength.

Verse of Salvation ~ Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God." John 3:3

Speaking to a Pharisee named Nicodemus Jesus explained that eternal spiritual life begins with believing in Christ. Born again. You must believe to be born into God’s spiritual realm, to be part of His family and His eternal Kingdom. Continue reading the chapter of John 3. For God so loved the world….

Happy 77^th Birthday – Jerry!

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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Speak Kindly

Meditate:

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 

Sometimes during this time of “isolation” due to the COVID-19 pandemic it is hard to be gracious and give the right response. You can’t see people’s faces behind their masks and there is a sense of fear from some people in the grocery stores. Paul was telling the people at the church in Colossae, about 100 miles east of Ephesus in modern day Turkey, that they needed to consider the way they spoke to the non-Christians in their area, their neighbors. We witness to others by all that we say and do. Things haven’t changed. We still need to consider how we treat others—whether they are Christians or not. We have the opportunity to be Jesus to others. By his statement in Colossians 2:1 we can assume that Paul hadn’t actually met the people there at Colossae, but he was teaching them the right way to live. I see this simply as the same thing that Jesus taught…treat others the way you want to be treated. We all want conversations to be gracious and encouraging these days…always whether we are in a pandemic or not. Having the right response for everyone takes a bit of tactfulness, common sense and just plain good manners. Be considerate. Treat others the way you want to be treated, which may just lead someone to the Lord. What could be better than that?

Prayer ~ Lord, may my thoughts, words and actions bring You glory and honor. As opportunities arise help me to be prepared to speak graciously and kindly to others, especially non-believers, encouraging them during these challenging times.

Ft. Casey Lighthouse - Whidbey Island, WA.
Live in the Light.

Verses of Salvation ~ We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his (God’s) glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:11-14

Forgiveness of sins allows us to become part of God’s family…and spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Where do you stand with the Lord God?

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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Remembering

Meditate on remembering those who have served our country in military service and those who have gone before us.

You know your father and his men; they are mighty warriors. Right now they are as enraged as a mother bear who has been robbed of her cubs. And remember that your father is an experienced man of war. He won't be spending the night among the troops. 2 Samuel 17:8 

There have been warriors and soldiers, battles and death for nearly forever. This passage is about David being an experienced man of war. Today we remember the fallen soldiers who fought for our country…for our ideals…for our freedom. Even experienced military members die in battles—leaving behind a legacy for their families, friends, colleagues, and for the whole nation and history. Personally, Jerry and I each lost a cousin in the Viet Nam war. We also have fathers, uncles, friends and other relatives that returned from war to patriotically inspire us. Memorial Day is not only the day that marks the beginning of summer, but reminds us to remember our ancestors and their devotion to our nation.

In the Bible God gives us instruction many times to remember. Most importantly to remember His commandments and instructions.

Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever. Exodus 12:24

Remember the days of long ago; think about the generations past. Ask your father, and he will inform you. Inquire of your elders, and they will tell you. When the Most High assigned lands to the nations, when he divided up the human race, he established the boundaries of the peoples according to the number in his heavenly court. Deuteronomy 32:7-8

And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him-- 2 Peter 3:15

Give us your tired, your poor.
The Statue of Liberty, signifying freedom holding the lampstand.

Remember what the Lord wrote to the Church at Ephesus in the book of Revelation concerning that church’s response to following Jesus’ teachings.

Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don't repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. 

Revelation 2:5

Remembering is important—whether it is about our history or about our relationship with the Lord. Are you remembering those who have given their lives for your freedom? Where do you stand with your relationship with the Lord? Have you repented as He requests? He is giving you time—but that may come sooner than you think.

Prayer ~ Lord, You told Your followers many time… Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Matthew 11:1. Help me not only to listen and understand, but also to obey and live to please You.

Verse of Salvation ~ For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:11-12

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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Here in Chains

Meditate.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Colossians 4:2-4

Do you sometimes feel like you are like Paul…in chains during this “Stay Home – Stay Safe” mandate? We keep hearing that it won’t be long now…and things are beginning to open up. But for us old folk…those over 60 or even over 55 years old…we are still facing some isolation from the public. Pray, like Paul requested, that we will proclaim the message of the mysterious plan concerning Christ to others whenever we have the opportunity. As we are allowed more public gatherings…and even more time just with others around us, more opportunities arise. The lines haven’t been very long in the grocery stores—and there are fewer people there. Sometimes it is difficult to speak…with or without a mask, but we are admonished that we need to proclaim the Gospel clearly to others…and not to be ashamed, just as Paul wrote to the Romans and Jesus declared while instructing His disciples before He sent them out to heal and minister to others.

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16

Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

The empty cross gives us hope and peace.
Jesus gives us joy.
Abundantly.
Thankfully.

Jesus, like anyone else, wants to be acknowledged in life. You do, too. Sometimes it is good to be anonymous, but it is good to be acknowledged, recognized for just being there…for being a part of your family, your work group, your circle of friends, your school or your church. “Hey, I’m here and so are you.” With Jesus, it is a little more. He wants you to tell others that He is part, a vital part, of your life. Look what He has done for you and for others. Can you identify what He has done in your life today? Can you share that with at least one other person?

Paul wrote…Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. I pray like I am constantly talking to an old friend…yet God knows my heart even before I speak. Still we must pray. Lately I’ve been convicted that we must pray specifically for what we want or need. God is not a god that just answers our “gimmies” but He wants to provide for our needs and wants—especially as those fit into His will. Yet He is and has always been amazing.

The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: "I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. For I will not fight against you forever; I will not always be angry. If I were, all people would pass away--all the souls I have made. I was angry, so I punished these greedy people. I withdrew from them, but they kept going on their own stubborn way. I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far," says the LORD, who heals them.

Isaiah 57:15-19

He sees us as we are. Stubborn…yet He heals us anyway…and give us His peace. Peace in our hearts, if not our lives. That is important right now. Suffering from anxiety is no fun. Jesus told us to not be anxious—to cast all our cares on Him. Somehow that is easier said than done, but I trust Him and I am experiencing His peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control and above all love. May you seek the Lord…while He can be found and find Him in these qualities in your life, too. No chains…just peace, strength and hope.

Prayer ~Lord, Thank you for Your presence in my life, for the peace that You give me in my heart, soul and mind. Renew my mind day by day, minute by minute that I would know You more. May all that I think, say and do be pleasing to You.

Verse of Salvation ~ How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! Isaiah 52:7

May God reign in your heart, soul and mind today as you seek and serve Him.

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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Walking in a Worthy Manner

Meditate--think about how Jesus walked.

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. 

Colossians 1:9-12 NASB

 Bearing fruit in every good work.

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord—reliable. Prayer is a powerful thing. God gives us the ability to access Him through our prayers—and He is all powerful, so that opens doors to more power for us. Jesus said…Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:24. Simply ask—pray. Just as Paul wrote to the Colossians, I have not ceased to pray for you and ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Do you know that even if I don’t know you…I do pray for you as you read this blog? I ask God to bless you with understanding and wisdom…and joy as you apply His word to your life.

Larry McCall asked in his book Walking like Jesus Did “Who do you want to be like when you grow up spiritually?” What a great question.  Of course we’d hope the answer would be to be more like Jesus as we mature spiritually. Are you striving for that? How’s your progress? Who is holding you accountable? Find someone who is seeking to know Jesus more deeply and hold each other accountable as you walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. Jewish people have the custom of studying scripture in the presence of others—a haverim. The principle that Jesus told His disciples when He taught them about prayer can apply to anytime we are focusing on Jesus…Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. Matthew 18:19-20. Imagine that Jesus is with you now. We are gathered at our computers, in isolation, studying His word, seeking to know Him better, and praying that He will bless us with answers to our earnest prayers. Jesus is here.  [ Revised from June 2013 Banquet With The King blog] (Quote used with permission for book “Parenting Day by Day” which was developed from this blog.)

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are awesome and we worship You. Help us to walk and live in a way that is pleasing to You and may we be more like Jesus every day. Thank you that You are always with us and that You hear our prayers.

Verse of Salvation ~ Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:5

Put your hope in the Lord…seek Him while there is still time.

Happy 14^th Birthday Zander!

© 2020 Text and water color illustration by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotation taken from the New American Stardard Bible (NASB). Copyright by The Lockman Foundation. All right reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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Just a Little Yeast

Think about yeast, bread and heaven—God’s Kingdom which begins in your heart now. Meditate.

He also asked, "What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough." Luke 13:20-21

Yeast in the Bible is a symbol for sin or moral corruption that infects others …but it is necessary ingredient in most breads. There are some non-yeast breads—like those that use baking powder and or baking soda. Then there are non-yeast breads like crackers and unleavened bread used in the Passover Meal with no leavening. Remember when God told the Israelites to prepare and eat their meal quickly—not to wait around for their bread to rise (Exodus 12). In this parable the yeast is a good thing…multiplying and permeating the world with the Gospel message. That message should go around the world—to ALL nations—just like Jesus told His disciples “…go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20

Will you let “yeast” be like sin to you…or like the bubbles of joyful sharing of the Good News about our Savior and Messiah? The choice is yours.  For myself, I choose to let the truth that Jesus is the Son of God bubbles like yeast and go into all areas my life…and into yours and everyone around me. 

Prayer ~ Jesus…continue to fill me with Your love, knowledge and wisdom that would bubble over from my life into others.

[Repeat from August 2017, Banquet With The King blog]

Verse of Salvation ~ Because I love Zion, I will not keep still. Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem, I cannot remain silent. I will not stop praying for her until her righteousness shines like the dawn, and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. Isaiah 62:1

Message along a flower bed in Israel.

Pray for the people of Israel—that they would come to know Jesus as their personal Messiah. One who brings salvation to each of them, not just a Messianic ruler. Go and make disciples of all the nations…including Israel.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

60 Minute Wheat Rolls

2 pkgs. Active quick-rise dry yeast
3 Tbsp. sugar or honey
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. powdered milk (optional)
1 1/2 c. hot tap water

2 Tbsp softened butter or olive oil, at room temperature
4 to 4 1/2 c. unsifted flour (half wheat and half white)

Thoroughly mix 1 cup flour and dry ingredients. Gradually add water and butter to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add remaining flour and beat to make soft dough. Place in greased bowl, cover and rise 15 minutes. Turn out onto floured board. Knead about 5 minutes, until not sticky. Shape dough and place on greased baking sheet Cover and let rise again for about 15 minutes. Bake 400 degree oven about 12 minutes (depends on the size of the rolls). Makes 16-20 rolls.  [Quantities adjusted from an original recipe baked by the chef at a Larry Burkett Financial Planning Workshop, in Georgia, 1988.]

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Promises Kept?

Think. Meditate.

The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9

Are you slow about your promises? Did you tell someone you’d do something…but you still haven’t done it? That is probably beginning to wear on you…make you cranky or crazy. Keeping promises is so very important. We all want promises made TO us to be kept as soon as possible. Any yet we say we’ll do something someday and it doesn’t get done. Does that show a lack of integrity on our part? Or is it just a lazy, slothful attitude?  We use the excuse that the weather isn’t right…or now we are in “isolation” and we can’t go visit someone. For now, a phone call is just about as good as a visit. That reminds me I have eight phone calls to make to my Neighborhood Group. TaTa for now!

How about you? Called anyone lately? Fulfilled any promises that you’ve made?

Prayer ~ Lord, Help me to keep my promises. I know that You keep your promises, even when it seems like time is lagging. You don’t want anyone to be destroyed, but that everyone would come to repentance and believe in Jesus as their Savior. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Blue door in Israel - to ward off evil.
What color is the door of your heart?
Will you answer Jesus when He knocks at your door? 

Verse of Salvation ~ Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:20-21

Jesus is the one knocking at the door of your heart. Those who accept Him as their Savior will share a meal with Him for salvation makes them victorious. Accept Jesus while there is still time.

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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Do Whatever…Well

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23. If you are working for the Lord, you will want to do your best. I do. I also try to follow advice from one of my favorite people. Dade W. Moeller, founder of Dade Moeller & Associates, world renown Health Physicist and author, wrote an encouraging sixteen point speech several years ago entitled Guidelines for Life—Rules for Success. One of those points was “Do every job a little better than anyone expects. If it’s good enough, it’s not.” I think that Dr. Moeller based that on the way Jesus approached life. Do your best—not just good enough to get by. Those are good words by which to live.  Does that fit into your way of doing things? Will you be totally obedient as you love God and others—not just good enough to get by?

The empty Garden Tomb in Jerusalem.

When you go to the grave there will be rest. Sleep. Paul tells us in 1Thessalonians about those “sleeping”—dead in the grave—when Christ returns.

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.

Are you ready for Christ’s return? Get ready. Be ready…we don’t know the hour or the day.

Prayer ~ Lord, may whatever I do now while I am still alive, please You. One day I will go to the grave and that will be it—no more work, no plans, no gains in knowledge or wisdom. Just rest and sleep—until You return. Open my eyes to anything that I need to do—now—before You return.

Verse of Salvation ~ For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Repent, turn to God, gain salvation; while there is still time.

(Revised from May 2016)

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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Where Do You Go to Escape Your Fears?

Meditate. Look into your soul and see God’s influence.

Fear of the LORD is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:27

Escape from the snares of death. How can you escape from your fears? Find your fear…face it.

May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight. Psalm 119:74-77

Surround me with mercy…tender mercies. I often visualize that idea of the mother hen putting her wing over her baby chicks. That is one surrounding and protecting others. That is what Jesus desired to do as He entered Jerusalem near the end of His ministry.

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. Matthew 23:37

Being merciful, providing comfort, love and even discipline. Remember that the father disciplines the son, or daughter, he loves. Discipline is good.

Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? Hebrews 12:9

Go to the Father to escape your fears. You may get discipline, but it will be with love, mercy and comfort. As you feel that love of the Father…as envisioned in the mother hen encompassing and protecting you… provide that same compassion, love, mercy to others who may be feeling the need to escape their fears during the time of isolation. Encouraging others is one way to face our own fears…and to help them face theirs. I’ve found that helping others helps me. Even just a phone call, keeping social distance, brightens another’s day…and helps them escape their fears.

Prayer ~ Lord, Fear grips all the people; every face grows pale with terror. Joel 2:6. Help us to face our fears…and may we find comfort, strength, mercy and unfailing love in You.

Verses of Salvation ~ Listen to me, my people. Hear me, Israel, for my law will be proclaimed, and my justice will become a light to the nations. My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:4-6

God’s chosen people is the nation of Israel, but salvation comes to all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. He offers this salvation that lasts forever. Can you choose Jesus while there is still time?

© 2020 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - https://www.blb.org 

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