LORD of Heaven’s Armies

Meditate.

Five Small Stones
From Elam Valley, Israel
Site of Philistine Battle

David replied to the Philistine (Goliath), "You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of Heaven's Armies (Jehovah-Saboath)—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD's battle, and he will give you to us!" 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Great story…and a true story! David was an authentic, true person—not just a story. He was the youngest son of Jesse and the grandson of one of my favorite Bible ladies, Ruth. Being the youngest son in the family, David was tasked with caring for the family sheep. He fought lions and bears while protecting his sheep, so facing this giant Philistine was no problem for David. Read more about his life in First and Second Samuel, the beginning of First Kings, and First Chronicles, as well as in many of the Psalms which he wrote. He was an amazing man, who although he was not sinless by any means, he was known to be a man after God’s own heart, repentant and obedient to God. He recognized that his battle against Goliath was not his own battle, but it belonged to the Lord. He did as God directed him. His brothers didn’t have the dedication to the Lord that David had and David found power in the name of the LORD of Heaven's Armies (Jehovah-Saboath)—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you (Goliath) have defied. God was David’s refuge and his strength. In this Psalm belong God speaks of His love for David and His promise of Jesus Christ as an heir.

Yes, our protection comes from the LORD, and he, the Holy One of Israel, has given us our king. Long ago you spoke in a vision to your faithful people. You said, "I have raised up a warrior. I have selected him from the common people to be king. I have found my servant David. I have anointed him with my holy oil. I will steady him with my hand; with my powerful arm I will make him strong. His enemies will not defeat him, nor will the wicked overpower him. I will beat down his adversaries before him and destroy those who hate him. My faithfulness and unfailing love will be with him, and by my authority he will grow in power. I will extend his rule over the sea, his dominion over the rivers. And he will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.' I will make him my firstborn son, the mightiest king on earth. I will love him and be kind to him forever; my covenant with him will never end. I will preserve an heir for him; his throne will be as endless as the days of heaven. Psalm 89:18-29

The LORD of Heaven’s Armies is written about in the New Testament as noted below in the books of Romans and James. Romans addresses a prophesy by Isaiah about Israel and James

And concerning Israel, Isaiah the prophet cried out, "Though the people of Israel are as numerous as the sand of the seashore, only a remnant will be saved. For the LORD will carry out his sentence upon the earth quickly and with finality." And Isaiah said the same thing in another place: "If the LORD of Heaven's Armies had not spared a few of our children, we would have been wiped out like Sodom, destroyed like Gomorrah." Romans 9:27-29 

Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver have become worthless. The very wealth you were counting on will eat away your flesh like fire. This treasure you have accumulated will stand as evidence against you on the day of judgment. For listen! Hear the cries of the field workers whom you have cheated of their pay. The wages you held back cry out against you. The cries of those who harvest your fields have reached the ears of the LORD of Heaven's Armies. James 5:1-4

This passage from James could have easily been written for these days we may be facing soon. Terrible troubles have been forecast for Christians in the days ahead as we may experience economic downfall from government overspending. This COVID pandemic is taking a toll on the economy around the world. Treasures could be worth nothing if a depression occurs. But we still will have the LORD of Heaven’s Armies fighting for us. How do you feel about that? Do you trust in the LORD of Heaven’s Armies fight for you? How is your relationship with the LORD?

Prayer ~ How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heaven's Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O LORD of Heaven's Armies, my King and my God! What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. O LORD of Heaven's Armies, what joy for those who trust in you. Psalm 84:1-4, 12

Verse of Salvation ~ My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. James 5:19-20  

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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The Lord is Peace

Meditate. Seek peace in your heart and life.

When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the LORD, he cried out, "Oh, Sovereign LORD, I'm doomed! I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face!" "It is all right," the LORD replied. "Do not be afraid. You will not die." And Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means "the LORD is peace"). The altar remains in Ophrah in the land of the clan of Abiezer to this day. Judges 6:22-24

Shalom is a greeting of peace that is common in Jewish communities—around the world. God was promising Gideon peace, as an alternative to death or fear. Consider Paul’s greetings to many of the churches to which he wrote. These letters which are now part of our New Testament Bible often included a peace greeting at the beginning or end of his message.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16  (Underlined for emphasis.)

Peace is not just an absence of conflict—but a quality of life that suggests safety, rest, quiet, tranquility, or contentment. God gives peace. Similar to asking for wisdom if it is needed, ask for peace, if you need it.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

As Jesus taught during His Sermon on the Mount, is you want something…ask and keep on asking.

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

God wants to give His children good gifts…and peace from the Lord of Peace would be a great gift. Ask Him for peace in your life and heart…and that peace should give you a closer relationship with Him. Try it and see. 

Prayer ~ May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers 6:26

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

This week’s Bible Trivia answer: Whom did Jesus send fishing in order to get money for taxes? PETER. See Matthew 17:24-27. Peter fishes in the Sea of Galilee and the first fish he catches has a large silver coin, a sheckel, equal to two half-shekels which was enough to pay the Temple tax for both Jesus and Peter. 

Next  week’s Bible Trivia question: Why did Jewish coins have pictures of plants and not men, like the Roman’s coins depicting Caesar?

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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Be Still – Be Quiet

Meditate.

"Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10

The Fruit of the Spirit
Love, Joy, Peace,
Patience, Kindness, Goodness,
Faithfulness, Gentleness and 
Self-Control.
Are these evident in your life?

This verse is my Aunt Mercedes favorite scripture passage and today we celebrate her 95th Birthday! Happy Birthday Dear Auntie Merc! May God continue to bless and guide you—giving you His Peace, Joy, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control and Love—as you continue to follow His road—His path. It has been a great walk with you...and the Lord.

Everyone has a story. Aunt Merc was an only child...who took herself to church. Her parents didn't go. Amazing. That takes gumption and dedication. She loves life, her family, her friends and Jesus of whom she has been a devoted follower for more than 80 years! Knowing God is an important part of her life...her story.

Did Jesus ever use this "Be Still" scripture in any of His teachings? It is not evident that He ever did use that scripture to teach His followers to slow down...to be still...to just be quiet and listen to and listen for the Lord. He did declare to the woman at the well that He was the Messiah—therefore declaring Himself to be God.

The woman said, "I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." Then Jesus told her, "I AM the Messiah!" John 4:25-26

There are several scripture passages that deal with being silent or knowing God.

But the LORD is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him. Habakkuk 2:20

Be silent before the LORD, all humanity, for he is springing into action from his holy dwelling. Zechariah 2:13

Then they will learn (know) that you alone are called the LORD, that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth. Psalm 83:18

Acknowledge (know) that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3

Be quiet enough to let God speak to you. Know God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I was a noisy kid and my mind is still always thinking…so it takes effort for me to be quiet enough to hear the Lord. I must listen closely.

How do we "know" God? Get into His word...read--study--pray. That is just what Auntie Merc has been doing for most of her life. Thank you, Auntie Merc, for being such a good example for us, for sharing your story and your life with us. We love you!

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...We come before You with quiet hearts and minds....ready to receive Your words—your teaching and Your guidance. Thank You for Auntie Merc—for her long life, her happy smile and joyful attitude. Please continue to bless her.

Verse of Salvation ~ For you know that God paid a ransom (Jesus) to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. 1 Peter 1:18

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
When I was in High School I spent a couple of weeks with my Auntie Merc—who was actually my Dad’s cousin’s wife. Years later, as a widow, she married my Uncle. While her husband was off hunting elk, we had a great time cooking, laughing and just talking. She was amazed that I was studying WWII when she had lived through it. One evening as we chatted she fixed the most wonderful cabbage rolls. This is her recipe, which was actually my grandmother’s, too.

Cabbage Rolls
Head of Cabbage – Use 8-10 outer leaves whole, then finely chop about 2 cups cabbage.
1 pound ground beef, browned
1 cup cooked white rice, or brown rice (start with about ¼ cup uncooked)
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dry parsley, optional
Salt and pepper, as desired (about ¾ tsp salt and a dash of pepper)

Be sure to steam the outer cabbage leaves, or at least pour boiling water over the leaves to wilt them—or microwave for a minute. Mix beef, rice, onion, garlic and seasonings. Then wrap the mixture into the wilted outer cabbage leaves, place on the chopped cabbage in a pan, add about 1 cup of water, cover and cook on low heat for about 1½ hours.  

Happy 95th Birthday, Auntie Merc!

May our Lord continue to bless you! Be Still and Know that He IS God!

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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Raise Your Victory Banner

Meditate. Consider how God helps you in your battles.

Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means "the LORD is my banner"). Exodus 17:15 

Aaron and Hur holding up Moses arms.
Battle with Amalek
God Wins! Yahweh-Nissi

Moses built an altar there. Where and Why?? What happened before this? The Israelites who had begun their journey to the Promised Land from Egypt, had tasted some bitter water, were hungry and God provided manna. When they complained about a lack of water. God instructed Moses strike a rock and out of it flowed wonderful, pure water to satisfy their thirst. God provides. Then the Israelites were attacked by the tribe of Amalek, who were the descendants of the grandson of Esau—brother of Jacob from whom the Israelites were descendants. So, the Israelites were in a battle with their distant cousins. During this battle as long as Moses arms were raised with the staff of God in his hand, the Israelites prevailed, but as Moses got tired and his arms came down, the Amelekites began to overtake them. As the battle raged on, Aaron and Hur held up Moses arms and the Israelites won the battle and the Amalek and his people were defeated. God won the battle.

Just what is a “banner”? As the exodus continued each Israeli tribe had their own banner—a flag that lead each group on their march through the desert. It is significant to mention that a banner set up in God’s honor denoted His presence and protection. No wonder Moses declared that God was their banner, and built an altar naming it Yahweh-Nissi or Jehovah-Nissi. Other banner scripture includes these below.    

May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. Psalm 20:5

But you have raised a banner for those who fear you—a rallying point in the face of attack. Psalm 60:4

In that day the heir to David's throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place. Isaiah 11:10

If you were to create a banner, what would you put on it—what symbols or colors would depict your praise and gratitude to the Lord? Would it draw you closer in your relationship to the Lord?

Prayer ~ Yahweh-Nissi, You are my banner of salvation—from sin and from trials and tribulations that may seem minor—but are still part of life. I praise and thank You for Your presence and protection in my life, and in the lives of my family, friends, neighbors and community. You give us victory--just like Moses and the Israelites. You are an awesome God.

Verse of Salvation ~ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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God Provides

Meditate. God provides.

When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Yes," Abraham replied. "Here I am!" "Don't lay a hand on the boy!" the angel said. "Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son." Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means "the LORD will provide"). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22:9-14

God provides. Yahweh Jireh. Trust Him. Abraham did. I love this story. Even before they started hiking up the mountain Isaac asked about the offering.

So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac's shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together, Isaac turned to Abraham and said, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "We have the fire and the wood," the boy said, "but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?" "God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son," Abraham answered. And they both walked on together. Genesis 22:6-8 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Abraham trusted God. He would provide. Right up to the last moment…Abraham trusted God. And God provided just as Abraham predicted. We can trust God, too. He has promised that He will provide what we need. He knows what we need…even before we ask.

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 6:31-34

Trust God. In your relationship with Him, you can depend on Him…and trust Him to provide what you need. You may think…well I don’t have this or that…and I’d rather have steak instead of hamburger. God provides what we need…not always what we want. In this time of COVID and the resulting unemployment situation, you may be having bean soup instead of hamburgers. Hopefully, if you are facing unemployment and financial stress, you are being provided for with food banks. There are resources. God is providing through those who are serving Him. He provided for Abraham…He will provide for us. Spiritually and physically.

Prayer ~ Yahweh Jireh, I am trusting You to provide for me, my family, friends and neighbors…for the things we need, physically and spiritually. You are above all…and as a spiritual being You are worthy of our praise, honor and glory.

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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Yahweh

Meditate. Imagine you are Moses and consider how he felt hearing God speak.

And God said to Moses, "I am Yahweh—'the LORD.' I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—'God Almighty'—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them. Exodus 6:2-3   

Yahweh. Or YHWH, transliterated as Yahweh. A name so awesome that they couldn’t say it, nor could God even initially reveal it. We’ve come a long way. We consider God Almighty as being the self-existent and independent God, Creator, Sustainer, the God of revelation and redemption. He is our God—loving us and listening for our prayers. To some He is their friend, although some people who believe in Him cannot consider such a mighty God as their mere friend. To me, He is an awesome friend. I consider the verse about a friend laying their life down…and that is just what Jesus did for me…for us. He gave this advice to His disciples in His last teachings during their Last Supper.

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13

That Jesus is part of Yahweh—our Lord God. He is Almighty God.

When Moses first encountered God at the Burning Bush, God gave Him instructions about going to Egypt to rescue His chosen people from the bondage of slavery. God had provided so much—homes, food, shelter—there in Egypt and then He allowed them to be enslaved and to endure that hardship so they could know His power, might, care and protection. They were a rebellious nation and it took them a while to learn who God really was.

God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors—the  God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations. Exodus 3:15

Do we really ever know God? That is my quest this year—to know God—Yahweh—my Abba Father. Are you searching and seeking God, too? Are you closer to God today than you were yesterday?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I know the greatness of You, LORD—that You, Lord are greater than any other god. From Psalm 135:5. So, I want to know more of You—Almighty God. Yahweh. Please continue to reveal more of Yourself to me…and give me wisdom and understanding to know You and grow closer to You in our relationship.

Arches National Park - Utah
The Lord is the Rock--the foundation of my life.
He is the bridge from physical life to spiritual life.
Trust Him.
Know Him.

Verse of Salvation ~ The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! 2 Samuel 22:47 and Psalm 18:46

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Everlasting

Meditate.

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. Isaiah 40:28

God—El Olam is everlasting. He is eternal, unchangeable and inexhaustible.      

A familiar scripture that emphasis His everlasting quality in found in this promising verse in Isaiah which is heard typically around Christmas time.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

A child is born…Jesus. That baby in the manger. Eternal life began there for many of us. Belief in the miracle of that baby…who grew to be a strong man…who obediently allowed Himself to be sacrificed on a cross for the sins of all mankind. He created the world as the request of His Father.

But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life. 1 Corinthians 8:6

Jesus is God—everlasting God. The Prince of Peace. Our Lord and Savior. He is part of the triune God…Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He never grows weak or weary. Such comfort in these words. God doesn’t sleep. He is always keeping watch over those He loves and cares about. I love this Psalm below because it express the Lord’s concern for each of us. Always—no matter where we are.

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. Psalm 121:1-8

The depth of His understanding is beyond our comprehension. He gave Solomon, known to be the wisest man who ever lived, wisdom and I’m sure God didn’t give all His own wisdom away…it was greater than even Solomon’s.

But true wisdom and power are found in God; counsel and understanding are his. Job 12:13

 God is not only everlasting, but all knowing, all caring, all seeing…always there for us. Are you trusting Him day by day…and growing closer in your relationship with Him? The choice is yours.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I worship no other gods, for Your very name is Jealous. You are a God who is jealous about his relationship with me. From Exodus 34:14. Thank You for Your promise of being an everlasting God. I know You won’t give up on mankind and ditch us as worthless. You created us all. You are worthy of our praise…and I look forward to an eternity of praising You.

Verse of Salvation ~ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Have You Heard of El Elyon?

Meditate:

And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High (El Elyon), brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High (El Elyon), who has defeated your enemies for you." Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. Genesis 14:18-20

El Elyon is the Hebrew name for the Most High God. He is the Almighty God, strong, sovereign and supreme—above all.

They remembered that God was their rock, The El `Elyon their redeemer. Psalm 78:35 HNV

This scripture passage from Genesis portrays for me a time of Communion, just like Jesus established in His Last Supper with His disciples during a Passover meal. Melchizedek, a king and priest, who could be a forerunner of Jesus served Abram (later known as Abraham) bread and wine. The same elements that Jesus used when He broke bread and shared the cup with His disciples, declaring that the bread represented His body, broken for mankind, and the cup represented His blood, shed for everyone.

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me." After supper he took another cup of wine and said, "This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you." Luke 22:19-20

David declared that God is the Mighty One in a couple of the Psalms he wrote.

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. I cry out to God Most High (Elohim Elyon), to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalm 57:1-2

Just as David recognized God as the God Most High or Most High God…we can, too. He is certainly above all…and it is to our benefit to be aware that in His power and strength He wins all battles and all His creation will ultimately bow before Him.

All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God. Psalm 86:9-10

Prayer ~ Listen closely to my prayer, O LORD; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I'm in trouble, and you will answer me. No pagan god is like you, O Lord. None can do what you do! Psalm 86:6-8

Verse of Salvation ~ Help us, O God of our salvation! Help us for the glory of your name. Save us and forgive our sins for the honor of your name. Psalm 79:9

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

The Hebrew Names Version HNV is based off the World English Bible, an update of the American Standard Version of 1901. This version of the Bible is in the public domain. 

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God Almighty

This is a perfect day to Meditate on who God is and your relationship with Him.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One." Revelation 1:8   

God declares Himself to be the Almighty One in this scripture from Revelation and as El-Shaddai— God Almighty to Abraham and to Moses.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am El-Shaddai—God Almighty. Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life." Genesis 17:1 

And God said to Moses, "I am Yahweh—'the LORD.' I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as El-Shaddai—'God Almighty'—but I did not reveal my name, Yahweh, to them.

Exodus 6:2-3

He is God Almighty—all powerful, loving, and comforting. Angels in Heaven also declare that He is the Almighty One.

Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come." Revelation 4:8

Do you declare that God is the Almighty One…the Alpha and the Omega? What difference will this make in your relationship with the Lord? Do you feel in the least intimidated by talking to…praying to the Almighty God—our eternal God? Do you think you could worship Him in Heaven just as the angels do? Are you living in the shelter of the Most High and finding rest in His shadow?

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. Psalm 91:1-2

He is my God…and I trust Him.

Prayer ~ I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people. Psalm 52:9

Verse of Salvation ~ As Jacob blessed his sons, he said...I trust in you for salvation, O LORD! Genesis 49:18

Bible Trivia ~ Last week’s question: What animals represent Jesus?

Answer: The LAMB of God and the LION of Judah. 

As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, "Look! There is the Lamb of God!" John 1:36

But one of the twenty-four elders said to me (John), "Stop weeping! Look, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the heir to David's throne, has won the victory. He is worthy to open the scroll and its seven seals." Revelation 5:5

This week’s Bible Trivia question: 
Whom did Jesus send fishing in order to get money for taxes?

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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Elohim = God – The True God

Meditate on God, His creation, and His existence.

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. John 17:1-5

El indicates the strong one and can be associated with false gods. The name Elohim means strength or power. It is associated with our sovereign God. The true God. Our all-powerful God is glorified by His one and only Son. Jesus acknowledged that in order to have eternal life a person has to know God the Father and Jesus. Our God is the true God.

But the LORD is the only true God. He is the living God and the everlasting King! The whole earth trembles at his anger. The nations cannot stand up to his wrath. Jeremiah 10:10

John in his epistle points us to the true 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

As you build your relationship with God, consider His power and strength. Consider His love. He has authority over everyone.   

Prayer ~ Glory, Glory, Glory. Lord God Almighty. You alone are the True God…Elohim. I worship You.

Verse of Salvation ~ After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, "Praise the LORD! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God." Revelation 19:1

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
My sweet husband loves sweet shortbread cookies. I’ve found a recipe that satisfies both his sweet tooth and mine. 

Mexican Shortbread Cookies
Boil 1 cup water and 1 whole stick cinnamon. Let tea cool.
Mix:

8 oz. shortening (or half butter and half coconut oil)
¾ c sugar
2 tsp vanilla

Add:

1 tsp salt
 tsp ground cinnamon
3 c flour (i used 1 cup each potato, coconut & rice flours)

Stir well and then alternately add with the tea ½ cup at a time (I used 3/4 cup tea), until dough makes a ball. Roll out to 1/3 inch thickness. Cut in shape of your choice or traditional heart shape. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Cool. Dip in mixture of ½ c. sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.

Enjoy with a tall glass of milk or hot cup of coffee, how about a cup of cocoa with ¼ tsp cinnamon and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper?

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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God is Sovereign

Meditate…think on God’s qualities. Are you seeking to know God more today than yesterday?

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. "O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!" 1 Chronicles 29:11-13

How many times as a child did you pray or have you heard children pray…“God is Good, God is Great?” He is the greatest—above all. He is supreme, excellent, autonomous, and the dominant power in all of creation. He is above all. As Ezra wrote for us in 1 Chronicles…wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. God Himself is so powerful that He decides about who gets wealth, honor, and power at His discretion. And we people just think that we’ve done it ourselves. Our 401-Ks or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) are really bonuses from God…not of our own…although we think we’ve been so smart in saving for our future.

My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Psalm 62:7

Everything belongs to God—and comes from Him. Just as David wrote in the Psalm above, God is my refuge and rock. A strong place in my life. I am in awe of our God—powerful and above all. One day we will see Him in all His glory and majesty. For now we just have to have faith…as we believe in someone we can’t see. God.

Prayer ~ Lord God—You are above all. You are awesome. I humbly bow before You and confess that I am but a fleck of dust. All power, majesty, glory and honor belong to You.

Verse of Salvation ~ I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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Omnipresent – God is Everywhere

Meditate as you consider the presence of God.

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. Psalm 139:7-12 

God is everywhere! David wrote about not being able to hide from or escape from God. He is everywhere. Why would anyone want to hide from God? Lots of reasons…but consider that because of His omniscience He knows our thoughts and actions—we can’t hide. Someone might be ashamed of their actions…and want to escape God’s punishment. They can’t. God knows where they are and sees them. 

Jesus is the light of the world. 
His light guides us safely through the darkness.
You cannot hide from Him.

In these gray days of winter, it almost feels like night constantly. When I’ve experienced depression in the past, I recall it seemed dark and dreary, too. But David tells us that darkness is the same as daylight to God.  That light draws us to Him. Jesus is the light of the world. He is everywhere… spreading His light and love. Seek Him. Seek His light in your life. 

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are everywhere. I couldn’t escape You even if I wanted to, but I find immeasurable assurance in knowing that You are with me always…everywhere! Thank You that I am never alone. 

Praying for the family and friends of my cousin, Sandy, who went to be with You, Jesus, yesterday. Light up their lives with Hope, Your Peace, Strength and Love. 

Verses of Salvation ~ As written by Paul…But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:10-15 (Underlined for emphasis.)

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Omniscient – Only God

Meditate.

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! Psalm 139:1-6

David gave great advice to his son, Solomon, about seeking God…and how God sees everyone’s heart and knows their thoughts. That advice holds true for us, too. God hasn’t changed and didn’t just know people in David’s time. He knows our hearts, souls, and minds better than we know ourselves.

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Jesus knows our thoughts. You know He is God. His qualities are like that of our Heavenly Father God. Jesus knew the disciples’ thoughts and He hasn’t changed. He knows our thoughts, too.

Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why do you question this in your hearts?" Mark 2:8

Be careful what you think, say and do. God knows your motives and actions even before you do. He knows all. Remember that David said if you seek God you will find Him. Are you seeking Him today? Does knowing God’s omniscience draw you closer in your relationship with God? 

Focus on the pure and lovely.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are awesome and I acknowledge that You know me better than I know myself. You have examined my heart and know everything about me (Psalm 139:1).  Guide me that I would have pure thoughts, seek to know You more deeply, and to serve You graciously. As Paul taught…And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. May we fix our thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. From Philippians 4:8.

Verses of Salvation ~ 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

Salvation is eternal life.

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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God is Self-Sufficient

Meditate. Consider how God is self-sufficient and what that means in your relationship with Him.

He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone. Acts 17:24-29  

God is self-sufficient. He doesn’t need anything. He supplies all our needs…but He doesn’t have any necessities. Oh sure…He has desires. He wants people—Jews and Gentiles—to seek righteousness and His kingdom. He wants to supply our needs. He is a gracious and loving God.

Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:20

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

In his first epistle John concludes with a short discussion on fellowship with God. That “fellowship” is the relationship that God wants with us.

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 

John continues writing about our relationship with God and with Jesus Christ in his second epistle, warning of the importance in following Jesus’ teachings…most importantly to love one another.

The Ten Commandments
Love God...Love One Another

I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. I say this because many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward. Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:5-9

God is self-sufficient, but He needs us to love one another…and to love and honor Him. Are you doing that as you grow in your knowledge of God and build your relationship with Him?

Prayer ~ Dear God, Thank You that You have promised to keep us strong to the end so that we will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God, You will do this, for You are faithful to do what You say, and You have invited us into partnership with Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. From 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 

Verse of Salvation ~ The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Happy Birthday, Mike!

May God continue to bless and guide you…

…as our son, as a husband, a father, and as His son and worker for Him.

Love & Prayers…today and always.

© 2021 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

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

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