April 21 – Listen. Whose Voice Do You Hear?

"I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded." John 10:14-18 NLT
Sheep know their shepherd’s voice. Someone recently shared a current story about a lady shepherd somewhere in the Middle East whose sheep had been taken from her and placed in a pen with about a hundred other sheep. When word came that she could have her sheep back, the man guarding the sheep said there was no way to tell which sheep were hers—so she couldn’t have them back. End of story? No. She whistled and called out to her sheep. They came right to the gate and followed her out of the pen. Even today sheep know their master’s voice. Listen closely. Do you know Jesus’ voice? Do you hear Him calling to you?

RSVP: Jesus sacrificed His life for you. Now He is calling you. How will you respond to His voice?

Prayer ~ My Shepherd and my Savior…Jesus. I hear Your voice and I am trusting You as You continue to protect, heal and help me, my husband and our friends here in Portugal. We don’t always understand why things happen, like broken hips—but we can always trust You to never leave us or forsake us and to provide what we need…a good surgeon, good nursing care and friends that surround us with prayer. Thank You Jesus.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

April 20 – The Shepherd Sacrifices His Life for His Sheep

Those who heard Jesus use this illustration (see yesterday’s blog) didn't understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." John 10:6-11 NLT 

Jesus always told the truth. Did you know that a person could be a gate? In Jesus' time shepherds gathered their sheep together at night and guided them into a rocky enclosure. Then the shepherd would lay down in the doorway--becoming the "gate". No stranger, enemy, or breast could get to his flock without getting past him. He would protect his sheep with his life. 

RSVP:  Jesus is offering you His protection--just as He did so many years ago. How will you respond to His offer today?

Prayer~ Jesus, protect and guide us that we would serve You with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength. Greater is He--You--that is within us, than he that is in the world. 

 Happy 6^th Birthday, Sweet Amelia! We love you!

Joyous Resurrection Sunday to each of you.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

April 19 – Who is Sneaking Over the Wall?

"I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice." John 10:1-5 NLT

"Don't talk to strangers." Isn't that what we always tell our children...and grandchildren? They know that a particular person is a stranger because they don't recognize their face or their voice. Maybe it is the sneaky way they move. Watch out so they don't sneak over your fence. 

I live in a town that borders an agricultural area--but it is mostly vineyards, orchards, and irrigated row crops--potatoes, corn, wheat and alphalfa. No sheep. Most people around my hometown in eastern Washington state don't understand the customs associated with herding and tending sheep. Sheep aren't very smart animals--if they fall over--they can't get up. The shepherd has to help them. That sounds like some people, too. We need our family or friends to give us a hand...or to call the rescue squad to help us. Spiritually we need God to lift us up from that valley of the shadow of death--to preserve and strengthen us. 

RSVP: Jesus is reaching out to us with His shepherd's staff--to rescue us. How will you respond today to His offer for help? 

Prayer~Jesus I put my trust in You. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

April 18 – We are not blind…are we?

And Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind." Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, "We are not blind too, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, 'We see,' your sin remains." John 9:39-41 

Today is Good Friday. The day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. As recorded in Matthew 27, that morning He had been bound by the Sanhedrin and taken to Pilate, the governor, who questioned Jesus as to whether He was the King of the Jews. Jesus said it was as Pilate said. Further interrogation amazed Pilate, as Jesus did not answer. In Luke 23, we are told that Jesus was taken before Herod and questioned. Jesus said nothing. When it came time to release a prisoner, as was the custom at Passover, Pilate offered to release Jesus or Barabbas, a well-known criminal, the crowded wanted Barabbas released…and Jesus, crucified. Jesus was scourged and taken to the Roman Praetorium where Roman soldiers mocked and beat Him. This was the day that He carried the cross, or cross-beam from which He would hang, to Golgotha. By three o’clock that afternoon, at the same time as the daily sacrifice of the lamb was performed, Jesus in bitter agony gave up His last breathe. He died. An innocent man—no threat to the Roman Empire—was crucified. A pure and ethical gentleman who miraculously fed thousands of people and healed unknown numbers—but probably also thousands of people—was nailed to a cross according to a plan laid thousands of years ago. He gave His life so that the sin of others could be forgiven and they could also be pure and blameless to stand before the throne of God in Heaven. Those who are not blinded, who believe in Jesus as the Christ—the Messiah—the Son of God, will stand in His presence—seeing Him with their eyes. We are not blind too, are we? Jesus chose to give His life for you.  See Jesus for who He is—and see Him clearly. 

RSVP: Jesus stood silent before Pilate and Herod. He stands silent before you today. His body was given for you and His blood was shed for your sin. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Jesus, it was prophesied that You would be oppressed and afflicted, yet You would not open Your mouth. Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers. Isaiah 53:7 May I know when to open my mouth to give You the glory. Now I humbly and respectfully will keep silent—and recognize the suffering You went through for me. The agony You endured on the cross—that I could be forgiven.  
 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Jesus was offered sour wine when He was thirsty as He hung on the cross. He received the sour wine, said, “It is finished” and gave up His spirit. It is finished. No more meals with His disciples gathered around a table, reclining with friends, family, or Pharisees feasting on the bounty of the land of milk and honey—Israel. No feast at the King’s Table on Good Friday. The disciples scattered, except for Joseph of Arimathea who got permission to take Jesus’ body down from the cross and place it in his own tomb nearby. Nicodemus was there also and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes that they wrapped with Jesus’ body in a linen shroud. Jesus was buried before sunset, as was the Jewish custom. The day was over. No Passover Feast meal.
 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

April 17 – An Amazing Thing

"We (the Pharisees) know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He is from." The man (the one Jesus had healed from blindness) answered and said to them, "Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing." John 9:29-33

I once was blind but now I see. Amazing Grace. The song says it so well. 

  Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wrench like me

  I once was lost, but now am found

  Was blind but now I see.

This song was comforting on this very evening to my husband Jerry as he was transported with a broken hip to the Hospital Beatriz Angelo in Lisbon, Portugal. He fell down just the last three steps of a flight of narrow marble steps going to the basement dormitory where we were staying during a Work & Witness project to remodel a Nazarene church here into a coffeehouse. We're not much help on the project now...but we're trusting that God has a plan. The Portugese people are wonderful people--so kind. The area here around Lisbon is beautiful--so green with such an enormous variety of plants--from cactus to palm trees right in the same yard! It is amazing that God has created such variety--and given us eyes to see it--to see His grace in our lives. 

RSVP: Can you see God's grace in your life? What will you do with it?

Prayer~ An Amazing Thing…Lord, when You touch people’s lives, it is an amazing thing. Just as You sent an angel of the Lord for Samson’s parents to see as they offered a sacrifice and they were amazed, we are amazed when You give us a healing touch, a word spoken to encourage someone. 

Thank you Jesus for the care that you are providing for Jerry--for showing us your grace in our lives. We're trusting you.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Blind from Birth – Not Now

Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; [the] night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing. John 9:1-7 NKJV 

This healing occurred on the Sabbath. It just infuriated the Jewish leaders that Jesus would heal on the Sabbath. The Pharisees considered making clay, work. The Jews could not work on the Sabbath. The Pharisees earlier had asked Jesus if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath (see Matthew 12:10). Then another time…And Jesus…spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" Luke 14:3. The Pharisees were looking for a way to get rid of Jesus—He was not the Messiah for whom they were looking. They wanted a political leader who would overthrow the Romans. Jesus was not their man. He was a compassionate healer. This blind man who had never seen anything since he was born, could now see. Holy spit made that clay—and it healed the eyes that had never seen the light of day…or the dark of night…his parents, spring flowers or the birds flying through the sky. What a whole new world had been opened up to him. And he wouldn’t have to beg anymore. With eyesight, he could work and earn his own way. Who sinned? No one. This happened to give glory to God. 

RSVP: Jesus is proposing today that sickness isn’t a result of sin—but in this case it happened so that God could be given the glory for a miraculous healing. How would you respond to this type of healing if it was you, your son, grandson, nephew, friend or neighbor? Can you give God the glory for this healing? 

Prayer~ Jesus—it is all about giving God the glory for His wonderful works…for Your wonderful, compassionate works—for You are God and are worthy of our praise.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Can You Hear Me?

Why can't you understand what I am saying? It's because you can't even hear me! John 8:43 NLT

Have you had your hearing checked lately? According to the National Institute on Deafness 36 million American adults have some degree of hearing loss. Mark 7:32-37 records one instance of Jesus healing a deaf man. They were utterly astonished, saying, "He has done all things well; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak." Mark 7:37. This passage above in John 8 is not dealing with hearing loss in anyone’s ears. It is concerning hearts that couldn’t hear and understand. Hearts and minds that were closed to Jesus’ message of who He was…who He is. The Pharisees continued to close their “ears” to accepting what Jesus was teaching.  Are your ears closed to hearing and understanding Jesus’ teachings?

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to gather around His table where He is teaching today. Will you meet Him at His table and feast on His words of teaching?

Prayer~ Jesus, I listen to what You say, and treasure Your commandments. I keep my ears tuned to Your wisdom as I cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. I search for them like hidden treasures. Then I will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and I will gain knowledge of You, my God. For You LORD grant wisdom! From Your mouth comes knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:1-6 NLT

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

No Longer a Slave

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free."  John 8:34-36 NLT 

Sin entangles, traps us…making us feel like we can’t get free. We are bound up like a slave. But Jesus gives us hope and an opportunity to become part of God’s family forever—to be set free from sin and its bondage. Set free. Live free. Free for eternity. What a glorious feeling. The burden of sin lifted off. Jesus promised…"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30. He sets us free from our burden (sin) by taking it upon Himself. What a guy! He is our hero. He is our God.

RSVP: Jesus is offering today to take our burden. We no longer have to be a slave to sin…He sets us free. How will you respond to what He has offered you today?

Prayer~ What a friend we have in You, Jesus. All our sin and grief You took on Yourself…as You hung there on the cross. You have set us free. Is Thank You enough? I bow my heart before You in humble adoration—no longer a slave, but a member of God’s family…of Your family.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Truth Will Make You Free

As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:30-32 

Freedom! We all want to feel free—to be free. Free from…sin, fear, oppression, discouragement, burdens, cares, worries, sickness…death. Truth will set us free. Jesus is the Truth—He told us that several times. So what does it take to be a disciple of Jesus? One has to follow Jesus’ teaching—be a student of His words. The twelve disciples were chosen by Jesus…but everyone who follows Him is also considered to be His disciple. In John 13:34-35 He defines what people have to do…"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Additional encouragement is found in a book written by John. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7. So love one another. Love will set you free.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to His table today to feast with Him and other disciples…showing love for one another. How will you respond today to His request? 

Prayer~ Dear God—You are Love…and love comes from You. Show me how to love not only my family, friends, and neighbors, but even the unlovable in my community, that we all would be set free from the things that we fear holding us in a type of bondage. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

True Testimony

So the Pharisees said to Him, "You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true." Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true. I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me. So they were saying to Him, "Where is Your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also." John 8:13-19 

The testimony of two men is true…if they say the same thing. Jesus is speaking the truth…He is the truth. That truth has been given to Him for us by our Heavenly Father. We have a couple of examples of Jesus and truth in other scripture passages:

·   Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. John 14:6.

·   "And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:29-32.

The Pharisees just had a problem with Jesus…they didn’t believe Him…or believe in Him. He kept having to say… But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. John 8:4. Do you believe that Jesus was speaking the truth…that He is the truth? 

RSVP: Jesus is challenging us today to believe Him…to believe in Him…and to share this revelation with others. What will you do today? How will you respond to Jesus challenge? 

Prayer~ Jesus, I believe that You are the way, the truth and the life...providing eternal life to all who believe in You as the Son of God. You are awesome and worthy of our praise.

 © 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Follow the Light

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12

Don’t walk in the darkness. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Ephesians 5:6-13. Paul wrote to the people of Ephesus about light and darkness. Don’t be deceived. Jesus was proclaiming Himself to be the one who reveals purity in the world—the way we are meant to be. Choose to follow Christ and not to be left behind in the dark.

RSVP: Jesus is telling us that He is the one who brings light and purity to the earth and is inviting us to follow Him. This means to not only believe in Jesus, but to willingly follow Him. How will you respond to His call today?

Prayer~ Lord, help me to be obedient to Your truth. Let Your light shine in me, purifying my soul with a sincere love of the brethren, that I may fervently loving others from my heart….1 Peter 1:22

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The Local Ocean Seafoods restaurant in Newport, Oregon serves the most amazing garlic crab soup. It is now at the top of my favorite soup list—so I searched to find the recipe. This recipe is adapted from one printed in The Oregonian, May 10, 2011.

Roasted Garlic and Dungeness Crab Soup                                           Makes 8 servings

3 large heads garlic

4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

1 tablespoon heaping, minced shallot

1 tablespoon heaping, minced green onion

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup rice flour (Bob’s Red Mill, available at most grocery stores) or 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

8 ¼ cups water (use 4 Cups water plus 1 box Vegetable stock if you don’t find the lobster base)

1 tablespoon clam base (or use ½ cup clam broth)

1¾ teaspoons lobster base

¼ cup dry white wine

1½ cups half-and-half

½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Salt

1 pound fresh crab meat, picked over to remove shell and cartilage

Fennel sprigs for garnish 

Pull the papery outer layers from the garlic heads and trim the top 1/2 inch off of each head, place in a slow cooker, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast the garlic in the slow cooker for about 4-6 hours on low heat. Or to roast in the oven, drizzle with oil and wrap in a large sheet of aluminum foil, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roast for about 1 hour or until the garlic is soft in the center. Let cool and then squeeze the roasted garlic out of each clove. Measure out 1/2 cup of roasted garlic and set aside. Place the remaining garlic in a mini-food processor or blender and add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil with the shallot and green onion; blend until a paste forms. Set aside. 

Make a roux by melting the butter in a small saucepan and whisking in the flour until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 or 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. 

In a large saucepan combine the water, clam base/juice and lobster base (or additional vegetable broth). Bring to a boil, reduce heat and add the white wine, reserved roasted garlic and half-and-half. Simmer for 5 minutes and then whisk in the reserved roux and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Return to a simmer and continue simmering for 30 to 45 minutes or until reduced to about 6 or 7 cups. Taste and add salt if needed. [Note: if serving this soup with dinner to anyone allergic to shellfish, omit the clam and lobster base at this point, using only vegetable broth and water. Set aside an aliquot for the non-shellfish person(s), and proceed with their portion below. Then add the clam/lobster base for the seafood eaters, heat and proceed with the recipe.] 

To serve, divide the crab among 8 soup bowls [or less if there is shellfish intolerance]. Top each bowl with a large pinch of parmesan cheese and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the reserved garlic-shallot paste. Pour 3/4 cup of hot soup into each bowl [using the non-seafood aliquot as necessary] and top with a sprig of fennel. Serve immediately with a chunk of sour dough bread. Enjoy.

 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Stone Her? Go and Sin No More…

As He was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?" They were trying to trap Him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with His finger. They kept demanding an answer, so He stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!" Then He stooped down again and wrote in the dust. When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" "No, Lord," she said. And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more." John 8:3-11 NLT

Stoning. What a brutal archaic custom. Stoning, throwing rocks at the accused, is the capital punishment of one person by a group of people so that no one is directly responsible for that one person’s death. Death does not come quickly or mercifully. Rock by rock—stone by stone. Painful. The custom still exists today in some Muslim countries. Jesus did not condemn this woman caught in adultery, but everyone condemning her was caught in their own sin. Let the sinless person throw the first stone. No one threw a stone—they all walked away. I’ve often wondered, what happened to the man who was committing adultery with her? It takes two. Was he in the crowd that stood around? Did he pick up a rock…only to drop it and walk away, too? What did Jesus write in the dust? Was He writing the names of the accusers? Was He writing the Ten Commandments that everyone needed to obey or maybe what I think is His favorite commandment, Luke 10:27… You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind, and, love your neighbor as yourself. Whatever He wrote we won’t know this side of heaven…but the people there and then changed their hearts…and that woman’s life. Go and sin no more. Good advice for us all, especially remembering that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

RSVP: Jesus is teaching us today, as He taught those who brought the adulteress woman, that we shouldn’t judge others until we’ve looked at our own lives. Don’t throw stones at others if you have any sin in your life. How will you respond to Jesus’ teaching today?

Prayer~ Dear God I am asking You to enable me to live a life worthy of Your call. May You give me the faith and power to accomplish all the good things You  prompt me to do. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 NLT.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Teaching Early in the Day

But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. John 8:1-2

Jesus was an early riser. Actually, I don’t think that He ever got much sleep—except maybe when there was a storm raging and He was sound asleep in the boat…but that is another story. Today He rose early on the Mount of Olives, likely to pray. It was a quiet place—a sanctuary where He could spend some time alone with His Heavenly Father. Sitting there on that hillside He could see the Temple in Jerusalem. There were probably priestly activities already going on there, too. Jesus would likely be able to see smoke rising from the morning sacrificial offering—and smell that sweet aroma. After His prayer time, Jesus headed for the Temple. Word had spread and as Jesus arrived in the temple were people gathering to hear Him teach. Were they hoping for more healings or maybe He’d feed another few thousand?  What do we expect from Jesus? Teaching or a healing touch?

RSVP: Jesus is calling us today to get up early and listen to His teaching. Gather at His feet and learn from Him. Will you respond to His call today?

Prayer~ Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in You; teach me the way in which I should walk; for to You I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

Rivers of Living Water

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39  

This was the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. Traditionally the Jews in Jerusalem would carry water from the Pool of Siloam to the silver basin at the altar of burnt offering in the Temple on each of the first seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles, but not on the eighth day. That was day that Jesus offered Himself as Living Water—providing eternal life. That must have amazed some of the people that came to hear Him teach. Thirsty—aren’t we all thirsty sometime? Jesus talked about being Living Water with the woman at the well and in this passage above. Living Water is also found in a passage in Jeremiah 17:13… O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake You will be put to shame. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, because they have forsaken the fountain of living water, even the Lord. Do you hear what is being said in this verse in Jeremiah? Those who reject the Lord will not have eternal life. Pretty straight forward. We can’t make someone believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior…but we can pray for them. Will you do that today? Pray for the lost? 

RSVP: Jesus is offering eternal life today…just as He did there in the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles. If you have heard and received, then pray for others to do the same. What is your response to Jesus today? 

Prayer~ Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are my praise. Jeremiah 17:14.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Look at the Heart

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." John 7:24

Look beyond the pretty outward appearance. Look at the heart—that is what God does. When the Lord directed the prophet Samuel to replace King Saul, He gave him this advice…But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7. Samuel looked at and rejected all of David’s other brothers before David was brought from the field where he was tending his sheep and was chosen and anointed to be the next King of Israel. David became known as a man after God’s own heart because he even though he sinned, he was honestly repentant and sought to know and trust God. That’s how our lives should be—seeking to know God more deeply. Then as we look at others, we’ll see them with God’s eye, not our own, and see past their faults to their true heart.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to see others as He sees them…and to love others as He does. Can you do that?

Prayer~With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever…. Psalms 86:12 NLT

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Speak Truth

Those who speak for themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the One who sent him speaks truth, not lies. John 7:18 NLT 

Jesus just wanted to honor His Father—the One who sent Him to earth. So Jesus spoke the truth. He never lied. Wow—He was human, but perfect. Sinless, including no lying—which is also known as “false witness.” You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor…is one of the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:16. Jesus was perfect…no matter how hard we try, we cannot be perfect, but we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). That includes honoring God and Christ and not seeking to honor ourselves. Can you do that? 

RSVP: Jesus is calling us to bring glory and honor God, by honoring Him, not ourselves. How will you respond to His call today? 

Prayer~ Jesus, I don’t want to be like the Romans that Paul wrote about… For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools…. Romans 1:21-22. Guard my heart and help me to honor You and the Heavenly Father in all I think, say, and do.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Whose Teachings?

But when it was now the midst of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and began to teach. The Jews then were astonished, saying, "How has this man become learned, having never been educated?" So Jesus answered them and said, "My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself."  John 7:14-17  

Jesus is all wisdom—which He gets from God the Father. He taught what He knew. Truth, love, kindness, goodness, righteousness, peace, patience, joy, gentleness, faith, meekness, and temperance. You may recognize these as the fruit of the Spirit. These are also things that Jesus taught near the beginning of His ministry when He taught what we know as the Sermon on the Mount (see Matthew 5). So what is God’s will? For it is my Father's will that all who see His Son and believe in Him should have eternal life. John 6:40. God wants to see a lot of people in Heaven…everyone. Everyone who believes in Jesus will have eternal life. What a promise. Can you hold on to that?    

RSVP: Jesus taught what His Father wanted Him to teach. Are you reading and relying on those teachings? How will you respond today…will you listen and obey? 

Prayer~ Jesus, Thank you for Your teachings. I cling to Your promises and look forward to spending eternity with You in Heaven. May praise and honor be Yours today—we don’t have to wait until we get to Heaven to give You the praise, honor, glory and blessings.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

Murmurings

The Jews sought Him at the feast (of Tabernacles), and said Where is He? And there was much murmuring among the people concerning Him: for some said, “He is a good man;” others said, “Nay, but He deceiveth the people.” Howbeit no man spake openly of Him for fear of the Jews. John 7:11-13 KJV 

People were murmuring. Psst—have you heard? What do you think? Is this man Jesus good or not? He fed five thousand men…yes, five thousand with just five barley loaves and two fishes. And He healed a man with a withered hand…on the Sabbath. Yes. He does miracles. He does good. Yes…He is good.  Murmurings…mistrust. Don’t be afraid of what others say. Check Him out for yourself. 

RSVP: Jesus’ invitation is to not listen to murmurings…to decide for ourselves who He is. How will you respond today? 

Prayer~ Jesus, I believe in You. You are Messiah…my Savior. You are more than a good man…You are God. Redeemer.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Whether our family is camping or just having a relaxing evening dinner together we love to eat Mexican food and one of our favorites is Tamale Pie.

Skillet Tamale Pie Recipe

12 ounces lean ground beef

1 cup chopped scallions

1 jar (14 ounces) spaghetti sauce (about 1 3⁄4 cups) or a can of stewed tomatoes

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

3⁄4 cup water

1 box (8 1⁄2 ounces) cornbread mix (Jiffy)

1 can (8 1⁄2 ounces) cream-style corn or a small can of whole kernel corn, drained

1 can (4 1⁄2 ounces) chopped green chiles

1⁄4 cup milk

1 large egg

Optional – 1 cup grated cheese

 

Cook beef and 3⁄4 cup of the scallions in a large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes, breaking up beef with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink. Stir in spaghetti sauce or tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 10 to 12 minutes to develop flavors and thicken sauce slightly. 

Meanwhile stir together muffin mix, corn, chiles, milk, egg and remaining 1⁄4 cup scallions (mixture will be soupy). Spoon cornbread mixture over beef mixture to cover. Cover skillet and continue simmering about 12 minutes and then take off the lid and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until top looks dry and a pick inserted in topping comes out with slightly moist crumbs.  If desired, top with grated cheese and replace the cover for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.  Enjoy.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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