Training Character Traits

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

During 2013 spiritual character was the focus of this Banquet With The King as we feasted on His word. Applying spiritual character traits to our lives isn’t just for little children—it is useful to all of us—to help us grow closer to the Lord. As it is written in Romans…And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5. In addition as we apply those character traits, we walk as Jesus did. 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 – Jesus’ spiritual character traits to which we can attain as we have discovered this year are listed below. Review the character traits that you noted in your children and those that you have hoped to develop in each of them. How is that going?

¨  Love

¨  Commitment

¨  Obedience

¨  Joy

¨  Compassion

¨  Kindness

¨  Contentment

¨  Integrity

¨  Honesty

¨  Loyalty

¨  Perseverance

¨  Forgiving

¨  Humility

¨  Prayerful

¨  Servant

¨  Holiness

¨  Suffering

¨  Gratitude

¨  Goodness

¨  Faithfulness

¨  Generous

¨  Gentleness

¨  Self-Control

¨  Courage

¨  Peace

¨  Patience

¨  Discipline

¨  Responsible

¨  Dependable

¨  Respectful

¨  Reliable

¨  Creative

¨  Encouragement

¨  Optimistic

¨  Meekness

¨  Tactful

¨  Tolerance

¨  Vision

¨  Enthusiasm

¨  Endurance

¨  Grace

¨  Discretion

¨  Supportive

¨  Efficient

¨  Wisdom

¨  Attentiveness

¨  Teacher

¨  Listening

¨  Security

¨  Submissive

¨  Diligence

¨  Initiative

¨  Faith

¨  Fearless

¨  Flexibility

¨  Godly Priorities

¨  Hospitality

¨  Discreet

¨  Decisive

¨  Guidance

¨  Persuasiveness

¨  Purpose

¨  Prudence

¨  Avoid Anger

¨  Reverence

¨  Agreeable

¨  Appreciation

¨  Discernment

¨  Devotion

¨  Determination

¨  Virtue

¨  Selfless/Self-Sacrifice

Dear Lord, You are awesome. Your character traits are worth emulating—so train us to persevere through the good times and rough times in our lives that we would become more like You—kind, forgiving, generous and loving.

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

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

Gave It All

And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." Mark 12:41-44

God had everything—He made everything. One thing He desired was for man to be pure enough to come to Him and fellowship with Him. Adam and Eve messed up and made it so that mankind was impure and wouldn’t be able to approach God’s throne. So God had a plan to send His own Son to get to know the humans personally, live among them and then become a sacrifice for their sins. That sacrifice would purify the humans so that they could approach the throne of the Almighty God. 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. God’s Son gave it all. Similarly, the poor widow gave all she had…all she owned. She sacrificed all she had—like Jesus. She gave it all. Jesus gave it all when He came to earth…and then gave the ultimate human gift…His life. That allowed God to once again have everything—everyone who believes and trusts Him with their lives, lives.  

Training Tip – Give thanks for the small things, like the small cent that widow gave. With your family praise God for His plan…and His love for mankind. Celebrate Jesus’ birthday.

 

Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus. We love You and we are grateful for the sacrifice You gave for us.

 

Merry Christmas…everyone!

 

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

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

Live By The Spirit – No Selfish Ambition

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5:19-26 NLT

From yesterday’s blog…"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20. Those “sinful desires and passions” including selfish ambition have been nailed to the cross…today. And tomorrow they’ll still be nailed there as I take up my cross and follow Jesus, walking with Him. Passion is what we desire most in life…our reason for living, the factor that motivates us to do what we do. My passion is now to live like Christ. Does that sound too conceited or a holier than thou attitude? That is not at all what I feel—I just want to live a life doing the right thing and helping others. That is what Jesus Christ did—He lived for others—to please His Heavenly Father. Can we do any less? 

Training Tip – Kids love to hammer nails into boards. Have them write some “sins” or mistakes they have made on a paper—or draw a picture of what they have done that must be forgiven by God. Then give your kids a board, a couple of nails and a hammer and let them go at it, nailing their sins to the board. For the younger ones you may want to pre-drill a hole. For older children have them make a cross shape with two boards before nailing their sins to it. Discuss that Christ was sinless. He never sinned. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15. 

Lord Jesus, help my children and grandchildren to see and appreciate what You did taking our sins upon yourself on the cross. Now as I walk with You, fill me with the fruit of the Holy Spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

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

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

Turn from Selfish Ways to Self-Sacrifice

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24 NLT

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, He said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me." Mark 8:34 NLT

Then He said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God." Luke 9:23-27 NLT

The same thing is recorded in these gospels--turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross (daily). In modern language of The Message translation Jesus says…“Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?” He is in the driver’s seat. I like that. Self-sacrifice is the way of Jesus—and He wants us to follow His example. We don’t have to die on the cross…just pick up our cross and follow Him. So what does it mean to “pick up our cross”?  We have to be willing to give up what we want…and turn from our selfish ways to Jesus’ way—die to ourselves, our old self and old ways. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Galatians 2:20. Can you admit that life is not all about you—and give up what you want and desire?

 

Training Tip – Be sure that you give your children the opportunity to help someone in need during this holiday season. Don’t just have them give their old broken toys—but give up something that means something to them. You may want to give them an opportunity to make some money and then buy or make something for someone else (using that money for the supplies). Let them help you make cookies or other goodies for neighbors or needy families. Help your children discover the joy of giving beyond themselves—to turn from their selfish ways.

Lord Jesus, thank you for Your example to us—to give of ourselves. Life isn’t about us…it is about You. Help us to share the joy of this season, You, with family, friends, neighbors and even with strangers we meet. There is a reason for each interaction that we encounter with others around us. It is all about You. From heaven to the manger and from to the cross back to heaven. You have brought us joy, peace and love.

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

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

Our Sacrifice

He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth. Isaiah 53:7

Jesus before His accusers. He stood and took their accusations—without talking back—no rebellion—just obedience to His Father…Our Heavenly Father. He was respectful even though He was oppressed and afflicted. How many of us can say that? When we are confronted with something…whether it is true or not, we will likely speak up for ourselves and keep on speaking up until someone hears what we’re saying! Jesus was a good example for us to keep silent. That could keep us out of trouble to begin with sometimes. I’m one known to put my foot in my mouth. If only I had just kept my mouth shut! If only…if only.  Looking back doesn’t take the words back…so be careful what you say. We should strive to be like Jesus and be silent. 

Training Tip – Have you taught the song about “Be Careful, Little Eyes” to your children?

This song teaches children to be careful of what they see, hear, speak, and of where they go. Encourage them to learn to hold their tongue (figuratively, not literally)—and to think before speaking.

Be Careful, Little Eyes

O be careful little eyes what you see

O be careful little eyes what you see

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little eyes what you see 

O be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little ears what you hear

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little hands what you do

O be careful little hands what you do

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little hands what you do

O be careful little feet where you go

O be careful little feet where you go

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little feet where you go. 

O be careful little mouth what you say

O be careful little mouth what you say

There's a Father up above

And He's looking down in love

So, be careful little mouth what you say. 

Lord Jesus, help us to be like You and to keep our mouths shut when we shouldn’t speak and give us wisdom to know when to speak and when to be quiet.

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

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

Rejoice

Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice….Philippians 1:15-18  

Proclaim Christ—the babe in the manger and the risen Lord and Savior. He is the reason for the season—the true reason we celebrate Christmas. Rejoice. Rejoice and be glad. Jesus made an amazing sacrifice—we can barely comprehend what He did for us—giving up His home in Heaven for a while and coming to earth to be the Lamb of God—to take away the sins of the world. We can only accept what Jesus did—and then in good will and truth share that with others. I heard an author on the Focus on the Family radio program mention that people should treat their spouses with a sacrificial love that is forgiving of the other’s mistakes and bad habits, like using up all the gas in the tank and not refilling it before the other person needed the car. That forgiveness is generous and sacrificial. Can you do that? Can I do that? Well—I’m willing to give it a try. To be more like Christ and forgive others for their mistakes. What a great Christmas gift that would be—a gift of forgiveness. No credit card bill to come later. No bow or strings attached—just a gift from the heart. Only a few more days left.  

Training Tip – Would you like to prevent or get rid of a bad habit in your children? Dr. Kay Kuzma, in her Christian Parenting Library book How To Mold Character From the Inside Out, has some suggestions for helping your children. Their bad habits must be redirected into creative and constructive alternatives—one step at a time. Of course it is best if you can prevent a bad habit—and that is best done with young children. Encourage good behavior and good habits so that they become part of the child’s character. With each child individually talk about the bad habits that they have. Set a goal for changing that habit slowly—don’t expect them to change overnight. Try to figure out what created the bad habit and then avoid that situation. Remind the child of the goal on a weekly or daily basis, as necessary. Retrain the child by redirecting their thoughts and actions. Remember the verse… For as he thinks in his heart, so he is…. Proverbs 23:7 NKJV. The same goes for a child. Help them think positive and act accordingly. 

Lord Jesus, we rejoice again during this holy season over Your birth…and we reflect upon Your death and sacrifice for us. Thank you for being obedient to our Heavenly Father.

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

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

Finding the Necessary Food in Your Diet

Do not eat the bread of a selfish man, or desire his delicacies….Proverbs 23:6

 

Selfish people aren’t known for their generosity…so it is not likely that they’ll offer you bread much less any delicacies or delectable Christmas goodies. Jesus generously offered thousands of people food—and some followed Him just hoping to get fed again. Jesus has more to offer than physical food for just one meal—He offers us a lifetime of spiritual food and drink that we would never again be hungry or thirsty. He didn’t feed those thousands of people a five course meal, nor did He desire that for Himself. When He was at the home of Martha He had an interesting discussion with her about the meal she was serving… But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42. Only one thing was necessary…was that spiritual food? We don’t need to desire delicacies…just wholesome spiritual food.     

 

Training Tip – Children can be such fussy eaters. Try to get your children to try just one bite of everything you serve…and if necessary reward them for their eating efforts. Balancing their food diet is essential so that they receive the nutrients needed for growth. Sugar is not one of the basic food groups and we would all do well to avoid sugar in our diet…but things like Sugar Cookies are such a treat, especially during holiday like today. Maybe that can be a reward for your children after they eat all their meat and veggies. Be a good example for them. Remember that Jesus taught that only one thing is necessary. Find that necessary thing in your life and in theirs.

 

Lord, satisfy our appetites today with tasty food and with words from your Word that would encourage and strength us.

 

 Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

As you make last minute preparations for Christmas festivities, consider these easy sugar cookies, perfected by my niece, Michelle. A fun way to spend time together with family or friends is an afternoon party of frosting the cookies. Provide the frosting in several colors and sprinkles in colors to spark their imaginations.  

 

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter

2 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp vanilla

½ tsp soda

4 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

5 cups flour

 

Buttercream Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter

½ cups shortening

5 cups powdered sugar

¼ cup PLUS 1 Tbsp milk

1½ tsp vanilla

½ tsp salt 

Cookies: Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, one at a time. Continue to beat. Add sour cream and vanilla. Sift dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture. Add more flour, if dough is too sticky. Roll on floured surface, fairly thick. Cut with large cutters. Place on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes (cut baking time, if necessary depending on dough thickness and size of cookies). Cool. Frost or sprinkle with sugar.

Frosting: Cream butter and shortening; add vanilla and salt. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time. Add milk; beat on high speed until light and fluffy. Enjoy.

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

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

No Selfish Ambition

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18  

Give yourself the gift of the season…no selfish ambition. Seek the wisdom of the Lord. Pray and ask God for a generous portion of wisdom for yourself and your family. 

Training Tip – Teach your children by your example to be ambitious—don’t be lazy. Be eager to go to work and don’t complain about work or your coworkers at home. Endeavor to work around your home, keeping everything in working order, neat, tidy and well maintained. Teach your children to take pride in keeping their own rooms orderly and to help around the house. Make charts if necessary and reward them for a job well done…for anything they accomplish. 

Lord Jesus, give us wisdom that is gentle and comes from You. Help us not to be jealous of those who have more than we do during this season of having and giving. We don’t know how happy they are or aren’t—but we know that with you in our lives, we are at peace. Continue to grant us Your peace, joy and love today, as well as everyday in the coming weeks and in the New Year. We praise You for showing us how to live…as You lived, loving others as ourselves.

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

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

Selfless – Self Sacrifice

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14  

Jesus came to earth as a baby—small and helpless. But He was promised to us as a Savior. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:19-21. What a weight on Jesus’ little shoulders. The sin of all the world—but He took it willingly and gave up His life for us. Just as He prayed in Gethsemane, He did it. Luke 22:42, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:8. Obedience was the key to Jesus’ selfless and self sacrificing actions.

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. 1 John 5:1. During this holy season, don’t consider what gift you’ll get or give, but consider Jesus’ sacrifice for you. That is your gift from the Heavenly Father. What will you give in return? May I suggest obedience?  

Training Tip – Obedience. It is a quality that can be taught by reward, although some children may need to learn it by punishment. Children have their own individual learning methods—and it is up to the parent to discover that method and help the child apply it. Along that same idea children also have a particular love language that is specific to them. The particular love languages are: Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Gifts, and Acts of Service. Read the book, The 5 Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, for details that include parenting tips and guidance. We have to remember that children are children—they need parents (and grandparents to some extent) to love them unconditionally and to be responsible for them as they grow into mature and responsible adults.  

Lord Jesus—You are such an example of self sacrifice in Your obedience to Our Heavenly Father. Help us to be obedient, too. Not that we have to “go to the cross” like You did, but that we need to be willing to carry our cross, to be obedient and not seek to do our own will—but to do the Father’s will.

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

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

 

Parent of Excellence

Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. Ruth 3:11 

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. ... Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:10-12, 30 

A woman of excellence…that was how Naomi described her daughter-in-law Ruth. Solomon, Ruth’s great–great grandson, described an excellent wife in Proverbs 31. It is a list of attributes that many say cannot describe just one woman…but admirable qualities of many women. Think what you may, that lady is a supermom! She is such a good example for all women. Keeping your family “happy” is a great goal…one that is not easily attainable. It begins with training them in the way they should go so that they’ll stick with that way when they are old (Proverbs 22:6). It takes a lot of effort on both parents’ parts to “train” children. The easy way may seem to sit them down in front of the TV from the time they get up until whenever they fall asleep—so that you can do whatever you want, but in the long run those children will likely end up being disagreeable, unruly, disturbed, malnourished, selfish, self-center and whiny. Kids need boundaries, good nutrition, fresh air, and just plain basic love and attention. They need spiritual training, too. They can’t make a decision about religion or God unless they’ve been exposed to that—and it can’t start when they are teenagers. Religious training needs to begin at the preschool age level and continue until they graduate from high school or college. Then they can make an educated decision as to whether they want to continue to seek God or not. A parent of excellence will have all those qualities of the woman of excellence. They will be hard working, willing to serve others, have a good reputation, speak wisely, and teach kindness. That parent would be a good example to any child. How do you measure up? What changes do you want to make in your life so that you can be a parent of excellence?  

Training Tip – Bring out the building blocks. Build a selfish tower that has three blocks: self, selfish pride, and rejection of God’s help—I can do it myself. That tower can never get taller since it won’t have any of God’s character in it. It can only to fall over with selfishness. 

Then build a high tower with at least six blocks that is more stable. The first block represents a foundation in Christ. The second block is one that represents the teaching found in Matthew 19:26…Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." This same idea is repeated in Paul’s letter to the Philippians…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13, so you might want to add another block onto the foundation block. The third layer represents accepting God’s help. The fourth block assures us that Christ loves us no matter what and that gives us the value to love ourselves and others (fifth block)…like Jesus taught…'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31. The last block would represent serving others…But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. James 1:22. This second tower should be stronger than the first and can have additional blocks added for each valued characteristic that the children can identify. Those could be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control and other characteristics of virtue or moral excellence.  

Lord God, You gave up Your beloved Son so that we might live abundant lives—pleasing to You for eternity. Help us to guide our children and grandchild to seek and serve You and to be children of excellence—hard working, giving, loving, ethical and virtuous—with character traits like Your Son, Jesus.

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

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