Don’t Be Dismayed

Meditate…and pray.

But do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant; do not be dismayed, Israel. For I will bring you home again from distant lands, and your children will return from their exile. Israel will return to a life of peace and quiet, and no one will terrorize them. Jeremiah 46:27  

Pray for Israel
Israeli flag flying over the Sea of Galilee.

Don’t be afraid. This is an interesting passage considering the “peace” that seems to be surrounding Israel today. There are a few Middle East nations, as well as the United States, that are seeking peace and friendly diplomatic relationships with Israel. That is wonderful news in comparison to the continued strife that is happening in that part of the world with Turkey, Syria and even within the Israeli countryside. Can you imagine living with frequent bombing attacks…and listening for sirens day or night? You read about that happening during World War II in England, Germany and other European nations…but it still occurs today in Israel—we just don’t always hear about it. We pray for peace for Israel, knowing that when the time is right, they will not have peace, according to predictions in the Bible. In the meantime, may they know peace—a tranquil state of existence within their land and within their hearts. No terror. Just an amiable peace—that they and their children can rest well and have sweet dreams.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. ... You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Proverbs 3:5-7, 24-26

The Jewish Festival of Lights—also known as Hanukkah began last night at sunset. For the next week Jews will light candles on their menorah to commemorate when the oil in the lamps miraculously did not run out, but kept burning for eight days with only one day’s oil, when the Second Temple was rededicated during the time of the Maccabees. Miraculous. Do you see any miracles happening in your life? God is at work—just look for His hand on you. Don’t be dismayed.

Prayer ~ Now may You, God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with His blood—may He equip us with all we need for doing Your will. May He produce in us, through the power You have given Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to You. All glory to You, Father God, forever and ever! Amen.  From Hebrews 13: 20-21

Verse of Salvation ~ Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. - Psalm 85:9

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

This Challah Bread is one that is served during Shabbat and at Hanukkah. It is very similar to a family recipe for Houska that is a Czech tradition at Christmas time. 

Challah Bread
2 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 tablespoon active quick rise dry yeast (2 pkgs)
1/2 cup honey
4 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
3 eggs
1 tablespoon salt
Pinch of saffron
8 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup raisins – dark or yellow, optional

In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. Beat in honey, oil, 2 eggs, salt and saffron, if desired. Add the flour one cup at a time, beating after each addition. Then switch to kneading with hands as dough thickens. Add raisins if desired. Knead until smooth and elastic and no longer sticky, adding flour as needed. Cover with a damp clean cloth and let rise for 1 1/2 hours or until dough has doubled in bulk.

Punch down the risen dough and turn out onto floured board. Divide in half and knead each half for five minutes or so, adding flour as needed to keep from getting sticky. Divide each half into thirds and roll into long ropes about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the rope dough on a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet. Pinch the ends of the three ropes together firmly and braid. Cover with towel and let rise about one hour.

Beat the remaining egg and brush a generous amount over each braid. Pre-heat oven and bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 40 minutes. Bread should have a nice hollow sound when thumped on the bottom. Cool on a rack before slicing.

Happy Hanukkah

© 2020 Text, photos and illustrations 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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