Finally…Think

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 KJV 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your 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. Philippians 4:8 NLT

Think. Thinking is a good thing, usually. Our minds keep on working all the time we’re awake and actually while we sleep, too. It is up to us to control what we think about. To be positive and productive we need to think about good stuff and not to dwell on the bad things in life. Jesus challenged people to “think.” Here are some examples:

-          Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17

-          Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34

-          What do you think? If any man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go and search for the one that is straying? Matthew 18:12

-          But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go work today in the vineyard.' Matthew 21:28 (Read the passage for the rest of the story.)

-          What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?" They said to Him, "The son of David." Matthew 22: 42 (What do you think about their answer?)

-          For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will. Matthew 24:44

Jesus wants us to think about Him. He wants us to reason and consider…not just be entertained by stuff around us and to wander aimlessly about. Paul directed the people of Corinth to give up childish ways. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things 1 Corinthians 13:11. That is where we’re at…put away kid stuff and concentrate, think, on the important things of life, like pleasing God and training your children in the right way to live. James writes a challenge in James 4:5…Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? James 4:5 Listen up and think. 

Training Tip – Lists. I’m often suggesting that you make a list. So here’s another one. Dear brothers and sisters…friends and family…make a list with your family of things that are “true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable” and post it on your refrigerator or other family posting place. If your children are not readers yet then have them draw a picture of the things that are pure, lovely and admirable, something that has meaning to them like a rainbow. Then suggest that your family members think about those things at any time that they are struggling or just wanting the approval of God. Tell them about fixing their thoughts on the good stuff…letting go of the bad stuff, like anger, meanness, jealousy, fear, or disappointment. Focus on good. Think. 

Lord God, help us to focus on You and to think. To think good thoughts, things that are…true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

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

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

Virtuous Heart

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. Colossians 3:12-17 

The quality of virtue is hanging onto the principles of moral excellence that calls us to a higher level to which only a few people strive. That is a Christian goal—high moral excellence. Holiness unto the Lord. As we are nearing Christmas and the beginning of a New Year many people are thinking about New Year’s resolutions, about beginning new habits for the coming year. I think that these that Paul wrote about in Colossians are the best—that is what I want: put (may it be deep within—not just resting on the outside) on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other. That along with peace and thanksgiving for all that the Lord has done for me in this past year…and will do in the coming year. I trust that He will be an active part of my life. So how about you? What do you want? Do you have any spiritual goals for the coming year? 

Setting Spiritual Goals for the New Year

1.       What would you like to accomplish spiritually this next year?

2.      What attitude or habit needs to change?

3.      How would you like God to use you?

4.      What ministry could utilize your unique gifts?

5.      What ministry could benefit from your leadership?

6.      What level of intimacy would you like to have with God?

7.      What friend would you like to lead to Christ?

Goals are important. Without goals we have no vision and we are more likely to be tossed about—wishy washy. That could be an opportunity for sin to enter. Keep the temptation of sin away by having Godly goals and concentrating on them. Once you have a goal, then there must be something done monthly, weekly, daily to achieve that goal. 

Training Tip – Set some goals with your children for home, school, and spiritual growth. How about memorizing a verse a week? Finishing homework before dinner? Making their bed every day and putting away toys before bedtime? Mark the calendar or a time line and reward achievements—celebrate. 

Lord God, give us vision to think big and accomplish big things for You. Help us to set goals and show us ways to daily achieve those goals.

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

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

Touching Jesus

And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, “Who touched my clothes?” Mark 5:30 KJV 

And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed [them] all. Luke 6:19 KJV 

And Jesus said, “Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.” Luke 8:46 KJV 

To be touched by Jesus meant healing…so to touch Jesus would be healing also. That must have been how the people in these verses felt. People were seeking healing for their physical ailments. Jesus could feel the energy—translated here as “virtue” go out of Him…and into those that were seeking healing. Today so many are seeking the same thing—healing. When we’ve had healing services at our church the alters are full of people wanting prayer and anointing. Do you seek the same thing? Is it physical healing for a sore back or knee…or spiritual healing for a poor attitude? Reach out to Jesus. He is still the Great Physician. 

Training Tip – Tell your children these stories about Jesus healing people when they touched Him…as well as when He touched them. Discuss also that sometimes Jesus doesn’t heal us when we ask—but we just have to continue to trust Him that He hears our prayers and will someday answer them. Sometimes the answer is “No—not now” and we just have to accept that—and endure the pain that we still carry.  

Lord Jesus, please give us a healing touch today in our physical and spiritual bodies. Help us to understand when Your answer is “No” or “Not now” that You still hear our prayers and love us.

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

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

Add Virtue or Moral Excellence

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge…. 2 Peter 1:5 KJV

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

When you are mixing up a cake, biscuits, or whatever in your kitchen you put in each ingredient into the bowl or saucepan and mix it up. So it is with faith in your life…and that of your children. Begin diligently to add virtue or moral excellence, then knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and lastly love. Stir well and apply. Your faith will be richer, deeper and you’ll have more to share. It takes a deliberate yielding to God to get rid of sin in our lives and then asking Him to fill that void with His love, and with other attributes like kindness, goodness, self-control, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, joy and peace. Someone told me once that we shouldn’t ask for removal or sin or evil influences in our lives without asking for a filling of goodness…otherwise that sin or some worse evil persuasion would fill our hearts. Be careful what you ask for. My hope…or what is commonly referred to now as “Christmas Wish” for each of you is that you would seek to know God every day and that you will be filled with the joy found only in having that deep abiding relationship with Jesus. Choose God—choose a spiritual life of moral excellence also known as virtue.

Training Tip – We can’t become like Christ just trying to be like Him. We have to give Jesus Christ our hearts every day…and accept His heart. His way—His truth must become ours. That can only happen if we daily seek Him, read His word and allow Him to be part of us. Talk about this concept with your family and be prepared to share at least one verse a day that is encouraging to them. Train up your child in the way he should go. As you read the verses today from 2 Peter 1:5-8 talk about those qualities that are listed there. Show your children that those same qualities are also in Galatians 5:22-23. When something is important to God, it is repeated in the Bible.

Lord God, we treasure that You love us so much You are teaching how to live. We confess that we’ve made mistakes and we now give You those sins. Fill our lives with Your love, joy, peace and knowledge that we would live lives pleasing to You.  

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

This is a time of the year when a hot drink is good to share with those who come to visit. Be sure to invite some friends, family or neighbors to share some time with you during the next couple of weeks. Step outside your comfort zone and let Jesus’ light shine through you over a cup of hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or some other beverage. I recently found some hot drink recipes in my sister’s recipe file, including a couple that included wine or brandy although Shirley wasn’t a big drinker. I don’t want to encourage anyone to take up drinking if they have alcoholic tendencies, but I am sharing this great German recipe of hers.

Gluhwein

1 liter red wine
1½ cup sugar
½ cup orange juice
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp whole cloves
2 sticks cinnamon
Rind of 1 lemon or orange cut into slices
Heat until almost boiling. Do not boil!!!
Serves 4.
(Note: alternatively, heat everything except the wine to a boil for about 2 minutes, then simmer for about 30 minutes. Strain, if you want. Add the wine, stir and serve.)

Wassail (Non-alcoholic spiced cider)

3 cups sugar

2 quarts water

4 cinnamon sticks

15-20 whole cloves

Boil for 5 minutes and strain.

Add:

1 quart black tea

¾ cup lemon juice

1 ¼ cup orange juice

1 quart apple cider

Heat, but not boil and serve.

Recipe can be doubled for a larger group. Add less sugar if you prefer.

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

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

Anger or Love?

And He said to them, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?" But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately began conspiring with the Herodians against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.  Mark 3:4-6

Here’s another instance of when Jesus—our human Lord—felt anger. It was towards the Pharisees who were being so legalistic and blinded. They just couldn’t see or accept Jesus for who He is and what He was doing. Jesus dealt with His anger by grieving and then physically healing the man before Him. That was a positive action.

Anger. One time when I was dealing with anger—mostly over unmet expectations from my children and husband—I looked up all the scripture I could find from my little Bible concordance about anger. It just made me more angry. So I decided that I needed to be more positive and look up verses about love, forgiveness and joy. That did it—I was able to let go of some of my anger and just be kinder to my family. That was thirty years ago. I’m still learning lessons daily on living the way God wants me to live. Now on the Blue Letter Bible site (http://www.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm) I’ve found that there are 274 occurrences of “anger” in the NASB translation. That’s a lot of anger. The word love can be found 348 times—there is a lot more love than anger in the Bible. That is reassuring. Maybe that is because God is love.  The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8

Training Tip – With your family look up Bible verses dealing with anger and with love, forgiveness or joy. See a few verses below to get you started.

Here are a couple of examples God’s anger:

Then Moses entreated the LORD his God, and said, "O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people whom You have brought out from the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?” Exodus 32:11 

When you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you will perish quickly from off the good land which He has given you. Joshua 23:16  

Here’s a few of examples of love:

He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you."  Genesis 22:2 

So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:19 

You shall therefore love the LORD your God, and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments. Deuteronomy 11:1  

O love the LORD, all you His godly ones! The LORD preserves the faithful and fully recompenses the proud doer. Psalms 31:23  

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16  

Lord God, we acknowledge that we deserve Your anger—we don’t always do things in ways that are pleasing to You. Please forgive us…. Show us better ways to live that are pleasing to You and help us to share Your love with others everyday—not just during this holiday season.

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

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

Dealing With Anger

Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.” Matthew 26:52 

This took place at the arrest of Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus had just prayed to the Father…let this cup pass from me...or if it can’t, let Your will be done. (See Matthew 26:42, Luke 22:42) I would have thought that Jesus had reason to be angry…but He wasn’t. He knew that he was headed for the cross—but He didn’t fight the Roman soldiers who came to arrest Him. He went with them and insisted that the disciples not attack His captors, nor that the disciples be arrested, too. He went peacefully. What an example for us. We should be peaceful—avoiding anger. Where are you most likely to get angry? Home, work, on the road? Consider how Jesus would react to such a situation and temper your feelings. Can you put away that sword and find a better way to deal with your anger? 

 

Training Tip – Put away the sword is what Jesus told His disciples. He didn’t say to bury it—so don’t bury your anger. Keeping anger inside of us usually just makes it worse—physically, emotionally and spiritually. Not dealing with anger can result in bitterness that can make a person physically sick—like with ulcers or digestive problems. Emotionally, rage can result from pent up anger and that can make relationships even more unstable. Anger and bitterness will build a wall between us and God so that our relationship with Him is impaired and He won’t hear our prayers. Find a way that is healthy to release anger. Go over the list that you made with your family and see what healthy ways you all found to release your anger—put it away. 

Some unhealthy ways of dealing with anger include – from pbskids.org website:

            Hurting ourselves emotionally or physically – having a negative attitude or throwing tantrums

            Withdrawing from life – having a hard time making or keeping friends

            Taking risks    

            Overeating

Taking drugs or alcohol

Hurting others physically or emotionally – insulting or attacking them or taking revenge

Some healthy and positive ways of dealing with anger include:

            Thinking it out – relax and let your mind find a good way to solve the problem

            Talk it out – with family member, friend, counselor, mentor or the person you are mad at

            Write it out – journal it

            Let off steam – go somewhere alone and just scream or hit your pillow

            Do something creative – paint or play some music

            Relax

            Get active – run, walk, dance, exercise, play ball and let go of the anger

            Find the source of the anger and a fix –

-          like help with schoolwork

-          time and space to yourself

-          conflict resolution

Teaching your children to understand and deal with anger will help them to develop good emotional habits and good Christian character.    

Lord Jesus, thank you for Your example to us—put away the sword. Help us to see issues in our lives that make us angry and deal with them rather than bury them.

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

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

Avoiding Anger?

This you know, my beloved brethren…everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20 

Avoiding anger is the knowing of its destructive force and striving to maintain "cool" and serenity. Even Jesus got angry as we read in Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:18 and John 2:14 when He cleanses the temple by forcing out the money changers and those selling animals for sacrifice. Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves…. Mark 11:15 If Jesus got angry, then is it wrong for us to get angry? No…it is how we deal with the anger. If dealt with inappropriately, it can lead to sin. Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:26… BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger…. Our goal—and for that of our children and grandchildren—is to obey God’s Commandments and to be holy before the Lord. To be like Jesus. We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:3-6 NIV 

Training Tip – At a family meeting or devotional time use a paper with two columns to make a list of things that “make” us angry in one column. Then in the second column make a list of ways to deal with that anger. Hopefully this will create a good discussion on appropriate ways to deal with anger. 

Lord if we can’t avoid anger, then help us to deal with anger gracefully.

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

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

Don’t Let Your Devotion Become Corrupted

But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. 2 Corinthians 11:3 NLT

When a person is devoted to someone or something they align and focus their personal desires, plans, and hopes to that person, thing or idea. When devotion is to God it includes worship of God. Paul was apprehensive about the level of devotion that the new believers in Corinth were experiencing. He could tell—probably by his discerning character—that those people were likely to be deceived by Satan and fall into his trap of corruption. Likewise Paul is warning young Christians today that we should not be like Eve and be deceived by some evil influence—and similarly eat some apple. Paul just wanted these Christians to stay devoted to God…to stay pure to God. Purity…holiness unto the Lord. What better goal is there in life? 

Training Tip – Talk to your family about to what they are devoted. Small children may be devoted to a particular toy, a TV or movie show character, or even a person like their parents or a friend. Older children may be devoted to music, sports or players, friends, movie idols, or internet games. Guide the discussion to encourage them to show how one can be devoted to God. As usual being a good example of devotion to God is the key.

Prayer - Now may You, God the Father and Jesus our Lord, direct our way and cause us to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, so that You may establish our hearts without blame in holiness before You when at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. (From 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

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

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

Raised Up With Christ

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3

It was on this day, 24 years ago, that my sister, her husband Bob, and her daughters Vicki and Anne went home to be with Jesus. Tragically killed in a domestic violence incident—our loss was Heaven’s gain—they have been raised up and are with Jesus Christ. It isn’t any easier to write about this than it was a year ago. (You may go back and read my December 8, 2012 blog.) There is still a void in my heart and within my family. That is always apparent at family gatherings…but this year we barely acknowledged their absence at our recent get-to-gether. Next year we will celebrate 25 years. Celebrate? Did I say that correctly? How does one “celebrate” the loss of 25 years. We’ll celebrate their life. We will set our mind on things that are above—as Paul taught the people of Colossia. For all of us have died with Christ…having been baptized and gone down and then raised up. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God…He lives in us. 

Training Tip – As I’ve said before, teaching is best done by example. Teach your children to respect others. Show respect for your spouse and your children—treat him or her with the same respect that you would show Jesus. If necessary, keep telling yourself that—treat others as if they were Jesus Himself. Jesus was a great example to us…for showing respect to others and being devoted to His Heavenly Father.

Lord, as You taught us through Paul in Romans 12:10, help us to be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.

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

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

Whom Do You Serve?

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:24

Are you devoted to God or to your money? Not everyone can give up their job and just serve Jesus…some of those people are called missionaries and pastors—but even they need money to exist. In this portion of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus goes on to teach that we shouldn’t worry…For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25. So don’t worry…be happy…be content with what you have and be devoted to God. Simple thought by which to live. Can you give up desire for wealth and all it can provide for you?

Training Tip – I recently heard a story of a mother talking to her child in the toy section of a store. The child asked for a particular toy…and the mother said that the child needed to check and see if he had saved enough money at home for that toy…and then wait a week. If he still wanted it and had the money saved, she would bring him back to buy it. The child understood the principal and didn’t throw a fit or demand to have the toy NOW! That is a great goal to work on with your children. Tell them about that principal and have them agree to that plan. Save, and then wait a week to see if they still had the desire to have that particular toy…book or thing. Paul teaches us in Philippians 4:11… Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Be content—that gives us a picture of not desiring that which we don’t have or don’t need. Can you picture yourself being content…and not desiring a new toy, game or some more stuff!

Lord Jesus, help me, my children and grandchildren to be content with what we have, especially at this time of the year when we are bombarded with temptations to want more “stuff”. We want to serve and honor God, not money or wealth.

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

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

Devotion to God

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:11-14 NLT

 

This world wouldn’t be so evil if more people “turned from godless living and sinful pleasures” and lived with “wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God.” But then if the entire world were living that way there might be some who wouldn’t see a need for God—and we do need God. It would be like the cycle that the Jewish people went through where people turned to God, then they got mediocre or self centered and forgot God, went their own way and ended up in trouble again…so they turned to God again.   See 2 Chronicles for the details. We must be careful that we don’t repeat history even in a small way in our own hearts.

 

Training Tip – Discuss with your family what it means to be “devoted” or to have “devotion” particularly to God. To whom or what are you “devoted?”

Lord God, as You taught in Matthew 6:33…help us to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, knowing that You will provide all the things we need: food, clothing and shelter. You are an awesome God, worthy of our praise.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

I recently fixed a salmon-tuna salad for some friends and they raved about it…it was an everything but the kitchen sink type creation—but it was tasty.

Salmon-Tuna-Avocado Salad - Serves 6-7 people

3 avocados, cut into small bite-sized pieces
3 cans fish (use what you have on hand—2 can tuna to one can salmon was good)
¼ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped cucumber
3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
¾ cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp mirin
2 tsp fresh thyme
2 tsp dried dill
1Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup fresh cranberries, chopped
1/3 cup pistachio nuts, chopped

Loose lettuce leaves 

Mix the fish, celery, cucumber and eggs. Mix together the mayo, vinegar, mirin, thyme and dill, then blend with the fish mixture and gently fold in the avocado pieces. Salt and pepper to taste. Mix the cranberries and nuts. Serve on lettuce leaves using the cranberry-nut mixture to garnish the salad. For more flavor you may wish to add a couple of teaspoons of capers, chopped red peppers or green olives. Enjoy with some fresh homemade bread, like cranberry-cheese tea bread or a savory herb bread.

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

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

Great Gifts from God

Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29 

God is so very generous with those He loves—with those who please Him. Solomon was made King and the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him that He would give him anything he wanted. See 1 King 3:5. Solomon said since he was only a child all he wanted was a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to distinguish between right and wrong. That answer pleased God, since Solomon didn’t ask for riches. God gave Solomon wisdom and discernment. Then God blessed Solomon with riches and honor (1 King 3:10-15). What would you want God to give you?

Training Tip – Read the story of King Solomon and the two mothers as recorded in 1 King 3:16-28. Many children’s Bible story books have this story at the children’s level of understanding. Talk about how Solomon was so wise, about how the women must have felt and about the results of Solomon decision. 

Lord, we trust You to bless us with wisdom and discernment, like Solomon, so that we can serve You.

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

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved

Prayers for Love, Knowledge and Discernment

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

Prayer is a key in Christian life and in character development. Here Paul is encouraging the people at Philippi by telling them that he is praying for them to have knowledge and discernment or insight so that they can be blameless—sinless. They were already looking forward to Christ’s return—just as we are now. That was 2000 years ago…will God keep us waiting longer before He sends His Son back to earth again? Only He knows. Even with wisdom, knowledge and discernment, we don’t know. It is better to live as “blameless” as possible, day by day than to try to guess the time that Jesus will return and live however until then. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord, from Joshua 24:15. That’s the way I feel about life now. With discernment, as well as hopefully wisdom, we will live the way God wants us to live, living our faith and sharing with others. I pray that this will be your goal, too.

Training Tip – How is it going with teaching your children to pray? Have they memorized the great model prayer: the Lord’s Prayer? Have you taught them that they need to pray from their heart? Use the ACTS acrostic:

A – Adoration – Praise God for who He is.

C – Confession – It is necessary to humble ourselves and admit our mistakes, our errors in life.

T – Thanksgiving – Give God the thanks that He is due—not just at Thanksgiving time.

S – Supplication – With all the other things out of the way—go ahead and ask for whatever is on your heart---salvation for others, needs and wants for yourself and others.

These basic parts of prayer are simple enough that even a four year old can talk to God using those pointers. If you are having problems with prayer, ask God for wisdom in that area. See James 1:5… But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Don’t doubt, just ask. 

Lord, may Your love grow more and more giving my family and me real knowledge and discernment, so that we may be sincere and blameless until the day of Your return.

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

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

For Crying Out Loud

For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding. Proverbs 2:3 

Read Proverbs 2:1-5. Read the whole chapter if you have time. Those first few verses deal with seeking discernment and understanding. Do you think that Jesus ever had to cry to His Heavenly Father for discernment? I would like to think that as God Himself, creator of everything, Jesus never had to ask His Father for anything…but He did ask for blessings—for food, for healing, and even for resurrection of others. Whining was not part of Jesus’ prayers. Cry out for discernment and understanding would not be advantageously approached with a whining voice. No one wants to listen to whining. God listened to His Son’s requests. That is how we should be with our families…listening. School age children need to have time with one or both parents for a few minutes alone every day. I loved how Susanna Wesley spent time daily, not only in her own private devotions, but with each of her ten children. She actually had 19 children, but only ten survived. During that time she listened as well as instructed her children. Listening is a key in communication—and good communication is essential to any good relationship. Have you listened to others today? Your spouse, children, friends, coworkers, employer, or even to God? 

Training Tip – Set aside a few minutes today…and every day…to listen to your children. Ask them open ended questions…not those they can answer using just “yes or no”. What was the most interesting thing that happened in school today? Not…what did you do in school today? That is too general and usually will result in an answer of “nothing.” Encourage them to open up and share their feelings…How did you feel when…? If you could do something differently today, what would it be? As they share their day, let them know that you are on their side…don’t expect them to be happy all the time—do sympathize with them when they’ve had a rough day. Don’t put down their feelings by saying, “Don’t be a baby.” Do encourage their good character traits and give them suggestions on how to handle sticky situations at school. Continue to model good behavior for them. 

Lord – Teach me, my children and grandchildren good discernment and knowledge, for we believe in Your commandments. Psalms 119:66

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

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

Walk Discerning Steps

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in speech and is a fool. Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps errs. Psalm 19:1-2

Walking with integrity. What more could you want for your children...or yourself? One with integrity is honorable, truthful, and reliable. Think of people whom you have admired in the past who have demonstrated discernment. They likely have been people of high integrity, too. This scripture passage tells about wise people who have knowledge and we can assume apply their understanding. Take your time--don't hurry--and you'll be less likely to make mistakes. Such good advice from Psalm 19. 

Training Tip - Set up a balance beam in your backyard or playroom and mark the beam with a sign "The Way of Integrity". Next to the beam place a strip of paper labeled dishonesty-lying. Talk about how it is good to be honest and truthful—to have integrity. Then have your children walk the balance beam—trying to stay on the beam—not falling into the pit of dishonesty. 

Prayer - Lord, may my children and grandchildren have the virtue and protection of honesty and integrity (Psalm 25:21) as they seek to walk in Your will and Your way.

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

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