December 14 – Who Are You Looking For?

When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with His disciples. Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered Him, "Jesus the Nazarene." He said to them, "I am He." And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. So when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground. Therefore He again asked them, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way," to fulfill the word which He spoke, "Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one." Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave's name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, "Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?" John 18:1-11 

Can you imagine knowing that you were going to be arrested—and still going to the place where the guards were coming for you? Jesus did just that. He went willingly. He kept asking them “Who are you look for?” and answering, “I am the one—that’s me.” There was such power in His words that when the guards finally heard Him they fell to the ground (verse 6).  

Drinking of the cup—doing what is expected. Jesus was obediently following His Father’s plan. He was to be the sacrificial lamb at this Passover. Remember how John the Baptist was baptizing at the Jordan River told the crowd of people when he saw Jesus coming said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Lamb of God. During this advent season as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth—Behold the baby in the manger—the gift of God—given for you. Behold—pay close attention to what is happening. Prepare your heart and your home for the celebration of Christmas. Keep focused on the real meaning of this holiday. Jesus, Christ the King, who came as a gift to you—to give you eternal life. Accept God’s gift. Open your heart and receive Him. Can you take time away from the hustle and hurry of this season where everyone is focused on getting gifts, being entertained and eating fancy foods…and focus on the spiritual food that is set before you? Enjoy a feast of God’s word today. Find peace, joy, love, history and exciting stories that show us how to live and treat others wrapped up within the cover of your Bible.  

Who are you looking for? Someone to bring you an expensive present…a fire truck, an American Girl doll, a Kindle Fire or iPad? Or are you looking for someone who came to take away the sins of the world? Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah will bring peace and joy to your life and your home. He is the greatest gift of all. 

Dear Jesus— I’ve been looking for You. Thank you for humbling Yourself and coming as a gift to all of us on earth. Just as those guards fell before You in the garden when they came to arrest You, I bow my head and my heart at the power of Your words. Help me today to love others for you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 13 - Beloved, Let Us Love One Another

"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."  John 17:24-26 

Here’s a little glimpse of a young man talking to his father—spilling out his heart’s desire. The young man just happens to be Jesus. You can tell that He has a deep love and respect for His righteous Father. He is confident that His Father loves Him and He wants to share that love with His followers. These were the things on His mind during this last prayer time recorded in these red letter words. 

Do you have that confidence that your righteous Heavenly Father loves you deeply? Do you want to tell others about Him—so that they can know His love, too? How do you show our Heavenly Father love, honor and respect? Jesus taught us…YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. There is no other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31. In addition there is a song that my daughter sang in a chapel musical when she was in second grade. It quotes 1 John 4:7 & 8. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. So by showing our love to others, obediently, we are showing our love to God the Father. God is Love.  

Dear Heavenly Father—Just as Jesus taught, we love our neighbors and ourselves—especially during this Christmas season. We love You—for loving us.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 12 – Unity in Love

But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. John 17:13-23 

Perfected in unity. In 1st Corinthians Paul writes about unity in the church.

For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, "Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. ... whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, 24-26

Here the unity of the body is diversified—but all parts are essential to the function of the whole body. So it is with the “body” of the church. We need unity to exist in a positive and encouraging way. We are supposed to be encouraging to our church families—and even more to our own families.

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

May I encourage you with the words written to children and fathers in Ephesians 6:1-4?

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

These words may not seem very encouraging some days when your three year old is talking back or even hitting you. But keep on keeping on—disciplining them will drive out that obstinate sinful nature. There are at least 38 verses in the Bible dealing with discipline and there is especially a lot of wisdom in Proverbs.

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him. Proverbs 22:15

A wise son accepts his father's discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. - Proverbs 13:1

Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. Proverbs 23:13

Three year olds, like Isaac and Liberty, know when they’ve done wrong—and they so want to please their parents…and God. If they get away with their own selfish desires and think that they can “be right” in their own eyes now…then down the road when they are older it will be much harder to convince them to do the right thing, to listen and obey. Obedience and attitude are the keys. 

You can see the face of these three year olds scowling when they know they’ve made the wrong decision. An almost evil look in their eyes, with a wrinkled brow and a sadly smug frown. When they’ve said their “sorry” and are right with others and God—once again their little cherub faces glow. It is like a miracle has happened. It is a miracle—the grace of God has rescued them from themselves. Good job, Dad and Mom, on disciplining and teaching your little one to make good decisions, to apologize and to seek forgiveness. Your obedience and attitude to consistently teach them to do the right thing—to listen and obey—is the best example that they could have. Keep up the good work. Feast on God’s word as it creates unity in your home. 

Dear Jesus—You are such an awesome example of obedience. Create unity in our families with the loving discipline of obedience. May those we come in contact with this week be able to see Your love in us…and may they feel that perfect peace, joy and love that only can come from You.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 11 – A Time for Peace

I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.  John 17:6-12 

What is yours is mine and what is mine is mine…wait, no that isn’t what Jesus said. He said, all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine. My Uncle Len didn’t have a family and lived in his parent’s home until he got married at the age of 54 years old. He and my Dad had an electrical business together and farmed alongside each other, too. My Uncle spent a lot of time with us and was part of our family—so what was ours was his…but what was his was HIS! Jesus concept of things and people belonging to Him was that what was His belonged to His Father, too. That is a good concept for us to grasp also. Everything that we have really belongs to the Lord…we can’t take it with us off this earth…and although anything of value will be passed on to our children and grandchildren, the things of real value are relationships in our hearts. It is important that we “share” Jesus with everyone, but especially with those we know and love so that they can enjoy the glorious benefits of heaven one day. It is terribly sad to hear of anyone that had to go to hell…and be tormented the heat of the fire there for the rest of eternity because they didn’t choose to know and love Jesus as their Messiah—their Savior.

Eternity is a long time—forever. God has prepared eternity for everyone…it is up to them where they will spend it…Heaven or Hell. Go back to Daniel 12:2. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. In Ecclesiastes 3:11 God tells us He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart…. Everything has its own time. I love the verses in Ecclesiastes that talk about a time for everything: 

           There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

A time to give birth and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance.

A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.

A time to search and a time to give up as lost;

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;

A time to be silent and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace.

 It is a great generalization to say that no one really wants war—isn’t that what love and hate unequally balanced are all about? And then there are those people who are continually seeking peace. Give peace a chance. The best way to find peace is to surrender yourself to Jesus and He will give you His peace…one that surpasses all understanding…and the best time for that? Now. The new pastor at the church I attend just preached on this peace last Sunday. Breathe…she said. And the congregation did. That’s what we need to keep doing…breathing. Breathing life and hope into our lives with Jesus. He is not only the reason for the season—He is the creator, the sustainer of life and the source of peace. Without breath, there is no life. Can you surrender your problems to Jesus…and breathe in His Hope, Peace and Strength? 

Jesus, please help us to breathe in Your peace—not only during this advent season—but all through the coming year. May your peace and love flow through us to our families, our neighbors, our community, our country and throughout the world, making disciples just like You commanded us to do. Whatever we have is Yours, Lord. Our families, friends, relationships, education, time, possessions, joys and sorrows—use them all for Your glory.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 10 – Glory Before the World Was

Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”  John 17:1-5

Darkness filled the void—and then in a flash of glory the world was created.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2

For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:20-21  

It was the Father’s responsibility to glorify His Son—and then the Son would glorify the Father. Sort of a mutual admiration society. Glorifying each other. Jesus was aware that He was going to have to die—and here He is asking the Father to glorify Him, the Son who was the creator of everything, with the gloriousness that they had before creation. That is a God thing that is beyond our comprehension. May we give them both the glory—the honor, respect, reverence, dignity and splendor that they so richly deserve. Who are we---but mere mortal men and women who want to honor their God, creator of the universe. 

Lord, even as darkness ebbs and flows through this day and into night, may You be glorified—may You feel the respect, honor and reverence that You so richly deserve—even before the beginning of time, before the world existed.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 9 - Find Peace in Jesus

Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:31-33 

What does it mean to “overcome the world? Another set of verses addresses this. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? - 1 John 5:3-5  

That is very reassuring scripture. Faith. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God gives us victory. Victory over sin and all its baggage—the selfishness and evil that the world conjures up to make life unhappy and miserable. Imagine how those disciples felt when they were “scattered, each to his own home” and Jesus was left hanging there alone on the cross. At least He felt ALONE. He even felt that God the Father had forsaken Him. That is why the scripture in Deuteronomy 31:6, that is repeated in Hebrews 13:5, is so special to me. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Can you feel His loving arms around you even now? 

Heavenly Father—wrap Your loving arms around those who are feeling loss right now…especially the Dodds family. May they feel Your presence and once again find peace in their hearts in Jesus.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 8 - Jesus Loves Me--This I Know

These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father." His disciples said, "Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God." John 16:25-30 

Figurative language involves analogies, like Jesus’ parables, and may exaggerate the story. Exaggeration is not something that we consider a speaking trait of Jesus. He always told the truth—no lies or big stories. He taught people using parables about things like sheep, coins and houses—and even families, sons and fathers. God the Father is blessed to have such a devoted, obedient, honest and loving son—Jesus. The Father loved the disciples…and us, because we love Jesus.  

A lot of kids learn to sing “Jesus Loves Me” when they are like three or four years old. Some of the words to the song centers on “ME” but the song is really about Jesus—and His strength. My sister and I sang this song together when we were children—we liked to sing. She had almost perfect pitch and could sing so beautifully—like an angel. One of the last times we were together we sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and she harmonized, singing alto. Twenty-three years ago today she died tragically…and now I imagine that she is singing at the very throne of Jesus—or will be when He gathers us all together for a feast with Him in Heaven. A feast that you can be at too, if you love Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I’m saying that literally, not figuratively—no exaggeration. You choose if you want to be in Heaven, by choosing Jesus as your Savior. My sister chose to love Jesus and to honor Him as Savior. No wings or harp for her…those are figurative things people think about when they talk about heaven. Those things are for angels, which are totally different created beings than humans. I hope to see you in Heaven, too—I’ll be the one singing there with my sister, Shirley. You can tell us apart—I’m a little taller.

The day Shirley was killed, her new husband, Bob, and her two daughters, Vicki and Anne, were also killed, along with her ex-husband, Ron. Domestic violence is a heart wrenching issue—and in some cases fatal and final. Twenty-three years later I’m still feeling the loss of this family. A few years after this incident a Jewish friend of mine asked me why I was sad, since as a Christian I should be happy that they are with Jesus. Why am I sad? For Twenty-three years I have missed (been cheated out of) Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, birthdays, sunny days…every day celebrations with them. Shirley and I were planning to grow old gracefully—together. I miss the fact that I didn’t get to go to her daughters’ high school and college graduations, weddings, or to hold their newborn babies—I won’t get to share in the joys and sorrows of their lives—they aren’t living. This sharing of our lives isn’t just about me…it’s about family. Families are supposed to share all those joys and sorrows, holidays, birthdays…and every days. We have a void in our family that can’t be filled—that is what death does. It leaves a void. Why am I sad? I’m just selfish I guess. My life is about "me." I wanted more out of life…more time to spend with those I love. Although I’ll see them again in Heaven our relationship here on earth has ended and there is that void. So I give Jesus this void—this loss. That is all I can do. And then I can sing and ...remember.  

Time is precious—people and relationships are precious. May we all value what we have…and enjoy it to the fullest while we are here. Family and friends—know that I love you—more than my heart can hold.

Dear Jesus—Thank you for loving us…my sister, me and our family. We praise You for who You are and always will be—King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Shalom Shabbat

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 7 - For a Little While

A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me. Some of His disciples then said to one another, What is this thing He is telling us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'? So they were saying, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not know what He is talking about. Jesus knew that they wished to question Him, and He said to them, "Are you deliberating together about this, that I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me'? Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:16-24 

Now you see me; now you don’t. Sounds a bit like a magician, but I can assure you that Jesus was not a magician. Of course, He was telling His disciples about His death and resurrection. A little while…is that three days? It was only hours after He spoke this that He was arrested, then tried, and soon thereafter, crucified. No one had been through such a traumatic time as that…oh, sure, others had been crucified, but perhaps not friends of the disciples. Many Jews were crucified by the Romans during this era—reportedly as many as 500 a day. One historian indicated that there were 2,000 people crucified in just one day in Rome for the entertainment of a government official. You can search for this gruesome information on the internet, if you so choose. One site where this information was available was http://www.mb-soft.com/believe/text/crucifix.htm

Jesus tells His disciples in these red letter words that they are going to have a time of sadness—grief. And then that they will be happy—filled with joy. When one of our loved ones dies we grieve—and we remember good times—joyful occasions that we spent with that person. But our grief is not turned into joy like that of the disciples after Jesus resurrection. There is coming a day when we will all be resurrected—but until then we just have to live one day at a time, endure our sorrows and hold onto the hope that we have in Jesus return. Spiritually we can feast on His word…like this promise that… if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. What a great promise! Ask away for whatever you want. Jesus wants our joy to be full.  

Heavenly Father, I don’t speak from want, for I am learning to be content in whatever circumstances I am, just as you taught in Philippians 4:11. Please allow me to be filled with joy even when I feel sadness. I miss those who have died and gone on to Paradise—but I know that they are at peace where they are and wouldn’t come back if they could. I ask this in Jesus' name. Thank you for your plan for Heaven—a home for all your family.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 6 – Truth Changes Lives

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. John 16:7-15

 

Truth. Jesus always told the truth—and here in these red letter words He is telling His disciples that He is “telling the truth.” The disciples loved Jesus so much…you could tell that they did since they did what He asked of them, and they listened intently to His teaching…and followed Him throughout Galilee, Judea and even through Samaria. Now He was talking about going away—and He knew that they would be sad about that. He was trying to encourage them by telling them about the Holy Spirit, the Helper. He mentioned some specific traits of the Holy Spirit:

·         Convicts the world of sin

·         Reveals righteousness

·         Shows Judgment

·         Shows or revels the truth to believers

·         Speaks what the Father tells Him to say

·         Tell what will happen in the future

·         Glorifies Jesus

I know that the Holy Spirit not only helps me remember scripture—but also where lost things are…and found parking places! Healing, comforting touches, joyful moments and changed attitudes (mine) are all things that I can attribute to the Holy Spirit. My life would be sorrowfully sad, depressing, unremarkably boring and shallow without inspiration and guidance from the Holy Spirit. How about you? How do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life…in that of your spouse and your children? Sometimes we just need to look around or deeply within ourselves to see how God is at work in our lives. When you find that…share it with someone else—tell me about it.  

Prayer- Thank you Jesus for surrendering Your life for us and for allowing the Holy Spirit to come and indwell within us that our lives would be changed.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 5 - Don't Stumble

These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, 'Where are You going?' But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart.  John 16:1-6  

Have you ever had a loved one that told you they were dying—going to “go away” permanently? That must have been how the disciples felt when Jesus kept talking about going away. Jesus was preparing them for the trials and rejections that they were surely going to have to go though—just because they were His followers. He had just talked to them about pruning, and then being hated…and now death. How disturbing this prophesy about their future must have been. Death. Their death. Jesus talked a lot—about a lot of different things—and there were more topics ahead that would be even more mystifying. This was an intensely deep teaching time at the Passover dinner. Jesus last Passover meal. He wanted to warn them and encourage them not to fall away from His teaching. Don’t stumble. 

May these words to His disciples encourage us, too. Don’t stumble or fall away from Jesus teaching if you feel persecution. When you feel like an outcast or think that someone is plotting your demise, then consider what Jesus went through and what He did for you. Unlike His disciples, we know the rest of the story…His death and resurrection. We don’t have to wonder where Jesus went…we know that He has gone to Heaven, and that He will return one day to take us to be with Him there. That knowledge is like a spiritual feast. Savor those words—He will return and call us to go up to Heaven with Him. Hang in there—and believe. Believe in Jesus as not only your Savior—but as Lord of your life. And He shall reign forever and ever. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. Hallelujah! 

Heavenly Father—Thank you for your plan for our lives, for sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins. You have an awesome Son. I look forward to a spiritual feast with You—for Your words are savory to my ears…as well as to my heart and very soul.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 4 – Hate

He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, 'THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.' When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning.  John 15:23-27 

Hate is such an awful word. Hate is such an awful feeling—to hate or to be hated. Hating Jesus without a cause is now history—but it must have been heart wrenching for the disciples and His followers at that time. And the feeling of rejection that went along with the hatefulness that Jesus continually suffered could only have been endured by our Savior.  

It must have been confusing for the disciples to understand about the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of truth that Jesus was talking about. Now we just take for granted the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. There was a great discussion about the Holy Spirit’s role in our live just this last Sunday in the Sunday School class I attend. The Holy Spirit comes into our lives, filling us, when we accept Jesus as our Savior and make Him Lord of our lives. He continues to dwell within us always. We just feel that the presence of the Spirit more at some time than at others because we are yielding more of ourselves—and thus allowing the Holy Spirit to flow through us. More of Him and less of us. That is what I want—more of Him and less of “me”.  

Thank you Jesus for taking on the rejection of the world as well as the forgiveness of our sins—just for us—for our salvation. Take my life and use me to serve others—to direct them to You.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 3 – IF

If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.  John 15:18-22

Our son’s favorite sayings when he was a small boy was…“what if?”! And our daughter’s favorite was… “I know.” So still today we at least inwardly grin if we hear…what if or I know. Here Jesus keeps repeating “IF.” If the world hates you…if you were of the world…if they persecuted Me…If I had not come…. But Jesus defends us in all these things—remember again that He has chosen us. We are not greater than Him but we are part of His family. We may have to suffer some things because we have chosen Him, but He chose us first and has paid a great price for us…for our salvation. That price has bought us a great spiritual feast—that began the day we accepted Him as our Savior. So savor His words and if you ever have to face persecution, remember His words and focus on them—and on Jesus Himself. He has promised, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5. Claim that promise now and always. I do.   

Jesus—Thank you that you have promised to never leave us or forsake us—for we are your family and family sticks close together.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 2 - Love One Another

This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. This I command you, that you love one another. John 15:12-17

 

Do you remember choosing teams for sports in grade school and junior high? I was never very good at sports so I always cringed when it came time for team selection. I didn’t want the humiliation of being chosen last…or even next to the last. Jesus tells us here in these red letter words that we didn’t choose Him, but He chose us. It is so comforting and yet humbling to know that I have been chosen by God—He picked me for His team—a team of Jews and Gentiles.

 

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

 

And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles. Romans 9:23-24

 

It gives me such confidence to know that God chose me from among the billions of people that He has created—He looked down and said—I want you on my team…part of my family. Yes. I’m adopted into God’s family. He predestined us to adoption as sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will…. Ephesians 1:5. Family! Are you part of God’s family, too? If you believe in Jesus as your savior—then you have been call and are adopted into The Family. So Jesus also tells us in these red letter words to “love one another” and that is what families are supposed to do—love one another.

 

How do you show your love? Friendly greetings, hugs, encouragement, training and correction, share material needs or blessings, rejoice together during happy times, and comfort each other in times of sorrow or hardships. Love one another just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. That is a lot of love. Who in your circle of family and friends would be willing to lay down his or her life for you—or you for them? I don’t know if I could do that for many people…though for my family and friends I think that I could. I would take a bullet for them.

 

Dear Jesus—I’m asking, in Your name, that I would be strong enough if necessary to “take a bullet” for anyone in my family—or for any of my friends. I feel so privileged to be part of Your family. Please continue to bless those I come in contact with that they would see You and seek You with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. Thank you for loving us.

 

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 1 - Joy

"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” John 15:9-11 

Remember how Moses got so mad at the Israelites and broke the first set of Ten Commandments? Picture it in the Ten Commandments movie. God keeps repeating over and over in the Bible in the Old and New Testaments—keep my commandments. See the following verses.

…but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:6

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments…. Proverbs 3:1

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15  

Jesus tell us in these red letter verses that He was giving us this advice so that we could have His joy! Joy is something that brings great happiness—especially a spiritual kind. Now there’s a promise to claim…we can have His joy and it will fill us up. That is kind of a feast of joyousness. The NASB version of the Bible has “joy” listed 182 times. That is a lot of joyfulness. We can claim it every day…not just during this “joyful” season of Christmas. 

What gives you joy? Well—for starters knowing that we’ve gone an hour or a day without breaking a commandment—remember it is in thought as well as in action that that counts for meeting Jesus criteria. Other sources of joy for me are laughing with my grandchildren, walking in the fresh crisp air, baking a cake or cookies for someone without being asked to do that, and just watching others around me share hugs and appreciation of each other. This time of the year really is a joyous time—especially at mealtimes with family and friends. May you create some joyous memories with your family and friends during this advent season. 

Lord Jesus—as we look into the manger scene and see you as the Baby—the gift to us from God the Father may we be filled with joy and motivated to keep your commandments.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).