God is Not Far From Us

The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us…. Acts 17:24-27  

Paul preached the message in this scripture passage to a group of Greek men in charge of religious and educational matters in Athens at the Areopagus. They had an altar to an “Unknown God” and he was telling them that God they worshipped in ignorance—just casually to appease all gods—was the true God. This God has set everything in motion and determined the way things should be—and He is not far from us. He is a very determined. He didn’t just create mankind and walk away. He is active in our lives and loves each of us. Paul goes on to tell them that they should repent because God will judge all people one day for their righteousness through a Man that He raised from the dead. We know that Paul was talking about Jesus. Some people sneered at Paul, and others followed him and became believers in Jesus.

So where do you stand? God was not far from those people in Athens, and He is close to us, too. We just have to choose how close we want to be to Him. When you are close to someone, there is a relationship. That is what knowing God is all about—relationship. Trusting Him to be an active part of your life and being obedient to His word and His will.  

Training Tip – Obedience is the key in character development. It needs to be taught to a child by the age of three—or it gets more difficult. If parents make their requests to toddlers reasonable, then it will be easy for the child to obey. As this is repeated the habit of obedience will be established in their character. Ways to encourage obedience, summarized here from How To Mold Character From The Inside Out by Dr. Kay Kuzma:

·         Tell the child “NO” and repeat it strongly when he touches something he shouldn’t. Remove the child if the object cannot be removed. It is necessary to set limits.

·         Give child opportunities for a praise reward—as in response to “hand me the ball,” or “come to me” by smiling and saying thank you. The child will bask in your approval.

·         Obedience lessons should not involve emotions or body functions, such as stop crying or urinating, or go to sleep. Requests can involve things like “shut the door” or “take off your shoes” that you can enforce by taking the child by the hand and showing them what to do and by saying “I told you to shut the door and I meant it.”

·         Make sure your child has your attention and hears you when you give a command for them to obey.

·         Make your request positive. The child may not hear the “Don’t…” and will do what you said—even if it is to hit someone.

·         Have only a few rules, but be consistent. Here are three basic ones.

o   You may not hurt yourself.

o   You may not hurt others.

o   You may not hurt things.

·         Discipline objectionable traits like whining.

·         Teach your children about Jesus by using object lessons—from nature—and in songs. Use church songs and literature at home during the week. You may want to train your child for quiet time by having daily “church time” at home where Mom listens to Christian radio program or music while the children play quietly with “church” toys or books. You want your child or children to love to go to God’s house, not to fear or resent it. 

Lord God, we acknowledge that You are the one true God and we worship You. Help us to teach our children and grandchildren to be obedient to Your word and to the way that You would have us live to honor You.

 

Thank You Veterans

for taking care of our country--to keep this the land of the free and the home of the brave.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Fought the Good Fight?

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

I’ve chosen to look at the characteristic “determination” for a few days—but am I feeling determined in my own character now? No. Jesus was very determined in His attitude and actions—He never faltered. He kept His eyes on God, pleasing Him and doing His will—even sacrificing His own life all according to God the Father’s plan. I do want to be like Jesus—but I’m human and won’t have every characteristic that Jesus has. Will you? Likely not. We’ll each have some in varying degrees—but not all. So to each of you I say—hang in there. Fight the good fight—don’t get weary and give up. Keep the faith—even when you may feel discouraged or despaired—or you are just plain tired. I’ve been sick for a month—first a cold, then bronchitis, then the flu. Although my fever never got over 101.3, it drained my energy. God heard my prayers and those of my family and friends—and He’s not finished with me yet. I am feeling better—so are my grandchildren, from whom I caught that dreaded flu. God is good. May you continue to be physically and spiritually healthy. Fight the fight—finish the course. 

Training Tip – Kids can be “determined” about what they want. If it is not what you want for them—there may be some whining involved. Hopefully not from you! So how do you handle whining?

·         First of all—keep your cool and don’t over react. Simply tell them “Whining is not acceptable in this home. You may not whine here.”  (Of course, they may choose to go next door or to Grandma’s to whine instead. Still not acceptable.) 

·         Give the child a positive option such as, “Smile and say please. You’ll be surprised how much more it will get you.” Or, “Please ask again after supper, and we’ll see if some (candy/tv/whatever) is appropriate then.”  

·         Take control—don’t let the child control you. “If you think that if whine enough, you’ll get your way—you are wrong.”

·         If the child doesn’t change their behavior immediately, then let the child know that you’ll do something about it—and do it. Time out works for most kids.

·         Don’t reward child by giving him your attention when his behavior is negative. Act decisively and immediately to help him change his behavior. Remove him from the rest of the family and then have a fun family activity—without him. The whining, sassing or pouting child only hurts himself.

·         Discuss the problem later when the kiddo has calmed down. Help him to understand that the whining, or other inappropriate behavior, is not acceptable and won’t get him what he wants. This is useful for preschoolers. Hopefully, school age children won’t still be whiners. If so—take control, sooner rather than later.

Pray. Prayer always helps. 

Lord God, help us to be determined in our life to please You—and not to whine to You or others when things don’t go our way. We love You and want to serve You. 

Happy Birthday, Joe.

May God continue to bless and guide you.

Love you much, brother.

You’re a good example of determination. Good job!

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Determination

I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me. Psalms 119:30

Jesus chose the faithful way…He did the will of His Father. He had those ten commandments—the ordinances before Him, just like we do, but He was sinless…For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15. Without sin. We can only hope to make good decisions day by day and live lives of holiness—where we sin less. In a small way, we can become like Jesus—if we are determined.   

Training Tip – Teach your family the song, “This is My Father’s World.” It focuses on the beautiful sounds of God’s creation, but one line stands out—don’t ever let me forget that though the wrong seems often so strong—God is the ruler. Help your children to understand that the choice is theirs in life—to follow the right or the wrong. 

               This is my Father's world,

               and to my listening ears

               all nature sings, and round me rings

               the music of the spheres.

               This is my Father's world: 

               I rest me in the thought

               of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

               his hand the wonders wrought. 

               This is my Father's world,

               the birds their carols raise,

               the morning light, the lily white,

               declare their maker's praise. 

               This is my Father's world:

               he shines in all that's fair;

               in the rustling grass I hear him pass;

               he speaks to me everywhere. 

               This is my Father's world. 

               O let me ne'er forget

               that though the wrong seems oft so strong,

               God is the ruler yet.

               This is my Father's world:

               why should my heart be sad? 

               The Lord is King; let the heavens ring! 

               God reigns; let the earth be glad! 

Lord God, create in my children and grandchildren a pure heart and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions—determined to live lives of holiness before You.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Foolish and Prudent Waiting for the Bridegroom

Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the prudent answered, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:1-13  

I love this parable that Jesus told His disciples about the kingdom of heaven. Only found in the book of Matthew, it gives us protestants a view into the Jewish customs. The Jewish couple is betrothed—promised in marriage to each other, but their wedding doesn’t take place until their home is prepared. The bridegroom goes to his father’s house and adds on a room—or rooms depending on his wealth. When his father says that the home is ready for the bride, he sends the bridegroom to get her. Meanwhile the wedding party, including those ten virgins, have been preparing for the wedding at the bride’s home—helping her get ready. The bridegroom arrives at the bride’s home and after observing some religious ceremonies he wisks her away to their new home, at her father’s house—where the wedding ceremony and the festivities take place. The wedding feast. Those who are ready go with the bride and groom—those who aren’t ready miss out altogether. Moral of the story—be ready. The bride symbolically represents the church, the bridegroom is Christ, and the ten virgins are the representative of the professing Jewish remnant on earth at Christ’s return. The oil is symbolic for the Holy Spirit—so keep yourself filled. 

Training Tip – Learn more about the Jewish customs and explain those to your family. Read this story of the ten virgins to your family. Maybe you’d like to have them act out the story together, or build a little model of the Jewish home and add on a room to the father’s house. Then have a celebration dinner just like the wedding feast. Also read the passage in John 14:1-3…Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. This is Jesus’ promise to us that He is preparing a place for us in heaven—in His Father’s house—just like the Jewish bridegroom in this scripture in Matthew. 

Lord God, thank you for your plan to have Your Son prepare a place just for us. We so look forward to the great wedding feast in Your Heavenly home one day. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

What would you expect at a wedding feast? Shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, prime rib roast with twice baked garlic mashed potatoes, almond green beans, marinated asparagus, fresh hot whole wheat rolls, with apple pie for dessert? Pita bread and hummus? Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? On this cool November day, how about some fresh apple butternut squash soup served with fruit and veggies? 

Apple Butternut Squash Soup for 6-8 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter or coconut oil

2 medium leeks, white part only, diced

1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and chopped (can substitute sweet pumpkin)

4 golden or Jonathan apples, peeled, cored, and chopped, plus 1 apple, thinly sliced and tossed in lemon juice, for garnish (optional)

2 teaspoons coarse salt

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups homemade chicken or vegetable stock

2 1/2 cups water, plus more if needed

Toasted pecans, for garnish (optional)

Sour cream, for garnish (optional)  

Directions

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks; cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft, about 4 minutes. Add squash and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes.

Add apples, salt, cumin, coriander, cayenne, black pepper, stock, and the water (just enough to cover). Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until vegetables are very soft, about 30 minutes.

Puree in batches in a food processor or blender until smooth, and return to saucepan. Heat over low, thinning with more water if necessary. To serve, ladle into shallow bowls; garnish with sliced apples, toasted pecans, and sour cream if desired.

This soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to a month; let cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving (thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator). [Adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe.]

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Walk a Blameless Way

Righteousness guards the one whose way is blameless, but wickedness subverts the sinner. Proverbs 13:6 

 

This is an encouraging scripture passage. Our righteous God protects those who are walking the way He wants us to. The Message translates it as…A God-loyal life keeps you on track…. Either way God is active in the lives of those He loves and who love and serve Him. Encouraging words, knowing that God is guarding or protecting those who want to live to please Him. Are you in that group? Do you live in a way that pleases God? Paul writes to Timothy about the way an overseer or church leader should live. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…. 1 Timothy 3:2. There is that word again…prudent. That is the person who has wisdom and knowledge and uses it with insight to avoid the pitfalls in life.  

Training Tip – Pray for wisdom and knowledge for yourself and your family. We have not because we ask not…as Jesus taught in John 16:23-24 …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. Teach your children to pray beyond just being thankful for the food, family and friends at mealtime. Ask in faith for spiritual things, as well as physical things and health issues.

Lord God, give us wisdom and understanding to know You more deeply and to live lives that please You.

 

Please Lord, give my friend and your servant, Lynn, a healing touch as she undergoes heart surgery. Thank you for the skill you have given her doctors and may they use it to Your glory. We thank you for the promise that you will never leave us or forsake us--so I know You'll be with her in surgery and during her recovery. I praise You for the lives, including mine, that she has touched for You. 

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

 

Silence is Golden—and Prudent

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent. Proverbs 17:28 

Solomon in his wisdom wrote 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 be silent and a time to speak. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7. So there is a time when we just need to refrain from talking—and by doing so we may look wise in someone’s eyes. But are we really wise or prudent? That wisdom may be reflected in quiet. Sometimes we just need to have some quiet time in our lives; time when we don’t have to listen to anyone—even ourselves. There are times when those around us need to have some quiet time, too. It is good to not to have to do a running commentary on what we did—or didn’t do—today. Our minds need time for silence to process what we have seen and heard. Do you give and take time for silence?

Training Tip – Just as we need a time of silence, our children do, too. Encourage them to learn to enjoy a time of quiet every day. That doesn’t mean that they have to sit perfectly still during that quiet time, but they need to respect others quiet time and not speak or make noise during that time. Set an alarm/timer to ring when the quiet time for the day is over. Help your children and grandchildren learn to enjoy both the quiet and the talking time by encouraging them and sharing with them that you enjoy quiet. It is a good time to talk to the Lord. Be sure to set aside an equal time for listening just to your children, too. Focusing your attention on them will help build their self esteem, which is critical to character development. 

Lord God, help us to keep our mouths shut and not babble on like fools. Give us grace to encourage our children and grandchildren to enjoy a time of silence.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Prudent Man Conceals Knowledge

A fool's anger is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonor. ... A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly. Proverbs 12:16, 23  

Prudent people are wise about their own actions—and don’t bring shame or dishonor upon themselves. Jesus was a good example of honoring Himself—and His father with His actions.  In 1 Peter 2:21-23 it tells us…For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously…. Jesus was without sin and was honest (without a deceitful tongue or mouth)—so that is how we should be. Honest and righteous. 

Training Tip – Read the story of Saul and Samuel from 1 Samuel 15. Saul told Samuel that he did as God commanded to destroy everything of the Amalekites. Did he? Read it and see. Then discuss it with your family. Was King Saul wise or foolish? How are we in our relationships with each other and with our relationship to God? 

Lord God, may we be found to be honest and trustworthy in Your sight. Help us to be like the wise man and hold wisdom and honor within our hearts and lives.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Prudence

The prudent sees the evil and hides himself, but the naive go on, and are punished for it. Proverbs 22:3 

 

Prudence means implementing and applying good, logical, and just judgment to situations in order to help avoid error and problems. It is associated with wisdom, insight and knowledge. It is not being a “prude” that often used as an insult for those who wish to avoid sexuality or reservations about drinking alcoholic beverages. 

The prudent person, like Jesus, uses their wisdom and knowledge to make good judgments about situations—even those that may have evil connotations. Jesus confronted evil. In Mark 5:8-9… For He had been saying to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" And He was asking him, "What is your name?" And he said to Him, "My name is Legion; for we are many." Jesus cast those demons into a nearby herd of swine. Another time He confronted Peter as recorded in Matthew 16:23 … But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's."  

Training Tip – Talk to your family about recognizing good and evil. It is important that your children know how to tell the difference between good and evil—and to make good decisions involving situations. Set up some role playing situations appropriate to their ages and help them see how making good decisions are important. Choose wisely. That is what the prudent person does. 

Lord god, help my children and grandchildren to make good decisions, day by day, moment by moment.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

The Purpose of Living in the Spirit

For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.  1 Peter 4:6 

For “this” purpose—what purpose? Read 1 Peter 4. The Gentiles were hoping that the young Christians would follow them and enjoy partying, but Peter was encouraging them to follow Christ’s example. Everyone will have to give an account (v. 5) of their actions. In verses 1and 2 the “purpose” of the Gospel is to teach about Christ’s suffering and His sinless life so that we can live for the will of God. Living in the Spirit. According to1 Corinthians 3:16 …Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? Once we accept Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit makes His home in our hearts. How’s your heart? Is your purpose to have the Spirit living within you?

 

Training Tip – How is your plan for developing your children’s spiritual character going? Have you picked out several characteristics on which to focus your efforts and are you developing a plan, a purpose for your spiritual parenting?  If you haven’t started yet, today is a good day to do that. Pick a characteristic or two in which your child needs to be encouraged, and give them the encouragement that they need.  Don’t tease, bully, or insist, but encourage. Honey and sweet words draw more people than any other methods. 

Lord God, may my words be encouraging to my children and grandchildren and may my actions reflect Your will and purpose for my life.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Prepared for a Purpose

Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. 2Cr 5:5

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.  1 Thessalonians 4:7 

…who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…. 2 Timothy 1:9

We are call with a purpose—prepared for His use—for His purpose. We aren’t puppets—we have a choice—but if we respond to God’s calling, then He prepares us for our calling. These things in our lives do work together so that we have just the experiences we need, just the training and the contacts we need so that we can serve God and fulfill His purpose. Our purpose is to glorify God and to honor Him. We have to choose if that is what we want to do. 

Training Tip – You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. That is an old cliché that we’ve heard a million times. It applies to knowing Christ. You can tell others about Christ, but they have to experience Him—experience a relationship with Jesus for themselves. It is a choice. You can tell your children about Christ until you are blue in the face—but they have to choose for themselves. Living your life for Christ is the best way to show them, rather than just telling them. Still they have to choose for themselves. Pray. Pray that God would reveal to your children, Jesus Christ, as well as God the Father, and the Holy Spirit.  

Lord God, You have called us to a holy purpose. Through Your grace let me, my children and my grandchildren see You working in our lives.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Called to His Purpose

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

 

All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. That verse is so over quoted and misquoted as it is used to comfort, encourage and strengthen. Does it really mean that sickness, death, destruction, depression, discouragement, rejection and similar discouraging events are “caused” by God? Does it mean that He will make good come out of bad? We can only hope—and trust Him that He will never leave us or forsake us…and that He will help us in our time of trials and tribulations. HOPE. Hope is the key. Hope and trust. If we have no hope in our future, then we are not trusting God to provide that hope and encouragement. In this verse we have to look again…”according to His purpose” and consider what God’s purpose is for our lives.  We may wish that our purpose in life to party-party-party—but God has a higher goal for us and in eternal heavenly home we will one day party and feast with Him.

 

Training Tip – Think about what personally gives you hope. Is it a beautiful sunrise, good music, a favorite scripture verse, hearing your children laugh, a phone call from a friend, an answer to prayer, fresh flowers, comfort food, or just silence. Talk with your family. What does hope mean to them? What gives them hope? Does this provide a purpose for their lives…and your?

 

Lord God, provide assurance to us that we can have hope for a future, a future with You and a purpose for our lives.

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

We recently traveled through part of Germany—and I was excited to see kuchen in some of the bakeries. We had some onion kuchen and a slice of apricot kuchen in Wertheim, a small German village along the Rhine River. It was good—but not as tasty as my grandmother’s. Hers always had a nice soft sweet crust with a sprinkle of cinnamon and even though she was not a hugger—it felt like a hug. Here’s a recipe that was shared by cousins in their family cookbook. My favorites were cream kaese (with homemade cottage cheese) and apple kuchens. Both were sprinkled with cinnamon and the kitchen smell delicious as I came into Gandma’s house after school.

 

Grandma’s Kuchen

Dough

¾ cup warm water

2 pkg active dry yeast

4 cups all purpose flour

½ cup sugar

1 tsp salt

2 eggs, room temperature

½ cup butter, melted

Dissolve yeast in water. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, mixing until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until double, 1-1 ½ hours. Divide into four sections. Roll dough and place into round cake pans, extending the dough up the sides of the pans. Pour custard over the dough.

Custard

6 eggs

1 cup cream

1 cup sugar

Dash of salt

Sprinkle of cinnamon 

Beat together everything but the cinnamon. Pour into the dough lined cake pans, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes or until custard is firm. 

For variety:

Cheese: Kaese cheese – add 1 quart dry cottage cheese to the custard mixture.

Fruit - place thinly sliced fruit (apples, plums, pears, or cherries) on the dough before pouring on the custard.

Of course, sprinkle any variation with cinnamon and bake as above. Enjoy warm from the oven with a glass of milk, tea or coffee at any time of the day. Not just a coffee cake.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved