Love and Obedience

Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, what then has happened that You are going to disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me.”  John 14:22-24 

How many times does Jesus have to say it before the disciples…and each of us…gets it? Show how much you love Jesus by being obedient and keeping His Word…His Commandments. Get it? Got it. Just do it.

 

Obey. This message is really from the Heavenly Father. Jesus just delivered it. Jesus tells us over and over that He just speaks what the Father tells Him to say. Isn’t that just like an obedient Son? He listens and obeys. He says what He is told to say…He does what He is told to do. Jesus does it in a loving way…no sulking, whining or complaining. He does it and gives it His best efforts. Dade W. Moeller, founder of Dade Moeller & Associates, world renown Health Physicist and author, wrote an encouraging sixteen point speech several years ago that included Guidelines for Life—Rules for Success. One of those points was “Do every job a little better than anyone expects. If it’s good enough, it’s not.” I think that Dr. Moeller based that on the way Jesus approached life. Do your best—not just good enough to get by. Those are good words by which to live.  Does that fit into your way of doing things? Will you be totally obedient as you love God and others—not just good enough to get by? 

RSVP: Jesus is calling us to love Him, to keep His commandments—His words. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayers for today~ Jesus, like it says in Proverbs 7:1, I will keep Your words and treasure Your commandments within me.

~ May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14 NIV

~ Please continue to guide, protect and inspire me, my family and friends as we love and serve You by loving others.

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

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

Loving Promises

In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him. John 14:20-21  

Here is Jesus telling us again that by keeping His Commandments we are showing that we love Him. Then in turn He will reveal (disclose) more of Himself to us. To love Him is to be loved by Him…and to understand more about Him. An upwards spiral—do you see that drawing you to heaven—to bow before His throne? I do. That is a picture that is amazing to me…like doors opening as I love Him more…and stairs leading up and up. Sort of reminds me of the story of Jacob sleeping in the desert on his way to Haran to look for a wife from his mother’s family. He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. Genesis 28:12. It was in this dream that God promised The Land to Jacob, just as He had promised it to Abraham and Isaac. What is Jesus promising us? More love and knowledge. Be obedient and keep His commandments. His love will be the reward.  

RSVP: Jesus is offering His love. He already sacrificed His life…what more can He give? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ … LORD my God I want to obey you, to keep Your commandments and Your statutes which are written in this book of the law, and I turn to you, LORD God with all my heart and soul. For this commandment which You command me today is not too difficult for me, nor is it out of reach. It is not in heaven, that I should say, 'Who will go up to heaven for me to get it for me and make me hear it, that I will observe it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, that I should say, 'Who will cross the sea for me to get it for me and make me hear it, so that I may observe it?' But the word is very near me, in my mouth and in my heart, that I may observe it. See, You have set before me today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; in that You command me today to love You, LORD my God, to walk in Your ways and to keep Your commandments and Your statutes and Your judgments, that I may live and multiply, and that You, LORD my God, may bless me in the land I am entering to possess it. (From Deuteronomy 30:10-16).

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

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

No Orphans In God’s Family

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also.  John 14:18-19 

Being adopted into God’s family is one of the best things about knowing God—about being able to call Him, “Abba, Father.” This is described in Galatians.

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. Galatians 4:4-7 NLT

A passage in Ephesians just about lets you feel the Heavenly Father God’s arms wrapping around you…

God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 NLT

Adopting us gave Him pleasure—made Him happy! If that could fill Him with joy—how should it make us feel? Overwhelmed by the love of the Father? I feel privileged to be part of His family…forever. 

RSVP: Jesus is telling us we are not orphans. We may have felt abandoned at some time in our lives…but we aren’t abandoned or forsaken. God want us to be part of His family. How will you respond to this message today? 

Prayer~ Jesus…my brother, my Savior, my friend, my creator, my sustainer…You are my everything. You are everlasting, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. I continually praise Your name and humbly bow before You and the Heavenly Father. My Abba Father.

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

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

The Holy Spirit is Promised

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17 

Another Helper. Part of God’s plan to create man, let him make his own decisions, need salvation—for which He provided a Savior, and then supply a Helper to live within his heart—to guide him. Jesus said that the world would not see or know the Helper—the Holy Spirit. Do you know and see the Holy Spirit? If you know Jesus and the Heavenly Father, then you’ll know the Holy Spirit. They are a team—the Trinity. The Holy Spirit existed forever…along with God the Father and God the Son. He is mentioned in the Old Testament and as David wrote…Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Psalms 51:11. The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament was given for a time to particular people—He didn’t dwell in them, as Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would after He Himself had gone to Heaven. That is when the Holy Spirit began to dwell permanently with believers. Jesus gave the Pharisees and us a warning. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. Matthew 12:32. That is a pretty strong advice. No blasphemy. It is not forgivable. One of the Ten Commandments addresses this. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7. Watch your tongue…guard it, as it says in Psalms 39:1… I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle …. With the Holy Spirit guiding you, that will be easier to accomplish.  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13.  

RSVP: Jesus is promising to give you the Holy Spirit. If you don’t have Him in you yet…ask. Ask and you will receive, just as Jesus promised. 

Prayer~ Jesus, I’m asking in Your name, to be renewed with Your love and with the Holy Spirit, knowing that You have promised that I will receive whatever I’ve asked for in Your name, so that my joy may be made full. (John 16:24). Thank You. May You be gloried.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Rachel

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

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

Love the Lord…Love Others

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

There are at least nineteen verses (NASB) that refer to “keeping My commandments.” One in Proverbs 3:1 says… My son (or daughter), do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments.  God’s commandments are basic to living. The first four of the Ten Commandments give us direction on how to relate to God…to honor Him and Him only. The last six Commandments deal with people relationships—how to responsibly live with others…honoring parents, and respecting other people. God spells it out plainly…we just need to live by His plan—His direction—His Commandments. We should put God first…as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount and not worry about other things…But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33. Additionally, when Jesus was asked which is the greatest of the commandments, He quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 saying, “AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31. The verse in John 14:15 admonishes me love God first in my life—no selfish desires. Jesus gave His disciples and us specific instructions to love Him…and keep His commandments. Love. To be obedient to God is to love—to put others first is to love. How are you doing with loving others? I’ll admit it is a struggle some days. As long as I put their needs before my own I know I’m headed in the right direction. 

RSVP: How will you respond to Jesus’ teaching today?  

Prayer~ Lord, today please give me the strength I need to follow Your Commandments, to show my love for You by putting You first—and loving others with the same compassion that You would show.

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

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

Ask for Anything

If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:14 

Anything? Really, anything? That is just what Jesus said, anything. The sky is the limit—and beyond that is Heaven. Limitless heaven. Time is eternal in heaven. The new city of Jerusalem does have a size mentioned in Revelation 21:16-17, which is about 1,400 miles by 1,400 miles square. That’s pretty big—and we will be there one day to worship God forever. But heaven may go on forever—beyond our imagination.  

So just for today, what will you ask of Jesus since He has promised that if we ask anything in His name, He will do it? Will you ask for riches, or like Solomon will you ask for wisdom? 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. Solomon asked for wisdom. Whatever…we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22. Remember to watch your motives. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3. 

RSVP: Ask away in Jesus name. It is not a formula for prayer or success…just a promise that He will do it. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Dear God, You wrote in 1 John 3:22… and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. May the things I say and do be pleasing to You and in line with Your commandments. Please give me my heart’s desire…good and restored health for my family and friends, wisdom and understanding of Your Word, and salvation for the lost within my neighborhood and community. Deep and abiding love for You and to share with those whom You have placed around me. Grace to accept the things I cannot change and strength to live courageously, exalting You as I wait upon You in all things. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Ask for the best food ever…well here’s one that pure fun to make. 

Oreo Balls  From Linda Cerny

1 package Oreo cookies, ground up     

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

Almond bark 

Stir together. Roll into balls and refrigerate until very firm. Dip in any flavor of melted almond bark. Make a very attractive tray by using butterscotch, white and chocolate almond bark. You can also drizzle a contrasting flavor of almond bark on top. For more fun, while the almond bark is still moist sprinkle with colored sprinkles--in their favorite color--to make the kids and grandkids extra happy. 

Note: When this recipe was first given to my friend, Linda, it was suggested that she use a meat grinder to grind up the cookies. She didn’t have one so she tried several other tactics such as a food chopper, rolling pin and the use of her car. She put the cookies in a Ziploc bag, then a couple of plastic grocery bags and then a doubled up paper grocery bag and stapled it shut. She took it out to the garage and placed the bag behind her rear wheel. She started up the car and slowly drove back and forth over the sack, crushing the Oreos! That was the best way ever to crush the cookies. Now whenever she makes these cookies, it keeps her neighbors talking…and laughing! We laugh a lot with Linda. Fun lady—always busy helping someone. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us.

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

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

Ask in Jesus’ Name

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  John 14:12-13  

God is a big God. Think BIG when you “ask” because He can grant prayer requests beyond what we ever expect. Think BIG. If He doesn’t answer, then maybe it wasn’t in God’s will—or not something that would bring Him glory. What is your motivation in your prayer request? You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3. Books have been written on praying…but the best advice on prayer is just what Jesus said. Ask in His name, pray and seek God continually (Psalm 105:4), pray that you not lose heart (Luke 18:1), pray that you not enter into temptation (Luke 22:40), and continually offer praise (Hebrews 13:15). If we believe in Jesus…just as He said in the verses above, then we will do greater works than He did. What an awesome thought. Have you tried to heal the sick, lame or blind…or raise the dead? Just to feed five, let alone five thousand, would be a miracle. Jesus also told His disciples…Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:24. So “ASK” and ask BIG—that your joy may be full—enormous and overflowing. That will bring glory to the Heavenly Father. 

RSVP: Jesus is offering advice today on praying…asking in His name. So how will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Dear Jesus, I delight myself in You LORD that You will give me the desires of my heart. Psalms 37:4. O LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble, You will strengthen our hearts, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth will no longer cause terror…from Psalms 10:17-18. Thank you, Jesus.

 

I've been admonished recently not to ask for an easy life for everyone…but that You would give us all strength to endure. Give us strength and grace for whatever happens. Thank you for recent evidence of this grace, Your presence and blessing in our lives as Jerry recovers from his total hip replacement and we are back home.

 

Additionally, Lord, may Your spiritual armor keep the Northwest District Work & Witness Team safe as they travel home from Portugal today. I ask these things in Jesus' precious name.

 

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

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

Don’t Speak on Your Own Initiative

"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves." John 14:10-11 

Trinity…prior to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Three in One. Father, Son and Spirit.  Jesus never puts Himself first…always the Father. Such humble respect and obedient submission. Jesus is such an exemplary example for all of us. The Father—as the Spirit abiding, living in each of us does His work in and through us. Have you ever experienced God working through you? Reaching out to others and serving them in obedience to the Father? I’ve had numerous experiences of this—one recently was in leading a discussion group of parents of teenagers. It was wonderful to hear them sharing stories and supporting each other—brought together to discuss, “How to Really Love Your Teenager.” If you haven’t experienced God working in and through you, listen closely and be obedient the next time God asks you to do something for Him. You’ll be glad you listened and obeyed. 

RSVP: Listen to God today. What is He asking you to do to serve Him…and others through your actions? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer~ Dear God, I am confident in my obedience to You, since You know that in reverence and submission to You I will do even more than what You expect…(Philemon 1:21) as I listen and obey Your word. Please continue to guard and guide my thoughts, words, and actions that I would be pleasing to You.

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

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

The Way

(Jesus said…) "And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:4-6  

Our pastor has just done a series of sermons on Jesus words, “I AM” and this is another one of those passages where Jesus states, “I AM” telling His disciples and us that He is the way…the way to His Father who is in Heaven. Jesus was telling His disciples and us that He was headed for Heaven—back to Heaven. He was telling us that He is the truth…He always speaks the truth and He IS the truth—pure through and through. He is life…eternal life. Spiritual life for everyone who believes in Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life—drawing those who believe in Him to the Heavenly Father. This Greek translation of “the way” occurs 100 times in the Bible. It refers to a traveled road or to a manner of thinking. Do you see Jesus as being a roadway along which you can travel to get His Father who is in heaven?  

RSVP: Jesus is plainly telling us that the only way to His Father is by knowing Him and following His way—He is The Way. How will you respond today to knowing this? Will it be any different from the way you responded to Jesus previously? 

Prayer~ Dear Jesus—You are the Way—the best and only way for us to know and go to Your Father. We humbly bow before You and reverently come before You and Your Father to worship and adore You.

 

May the spiritual armor that the Northwest District Work & Witness Team in Portugal puts on today protect, guard and guide them as they travel and see the Pilgrimage to Fátima. Blessings on you all~

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

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

A New Home is Being Prepared

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

The Jewish custom in betrothal and marriage is that after the marriage has been arranged, by the parents, and the bride and groom accept the proposal, the groom returns to his father’s house and adds on a room or rooms for him and his bride. Only when the groom’s father says that the addition is complete and suitable does the groom go and get his bride and bring her to their new home. The groom’s father isn’t going to let his son prepare a shoddy room for his bride—it will have to be a good room, well built. So it is with the place that Jesus is preparing for “His Bride,” the church. A wonderful new home for all of us in Heaven—a big, big house with lots and lots of rooms. When it is ready, the Father will tell His Son, Jesus, to go get His bride—and we’ll hear His shout and He will take us to our new home. What a joyous day that will be. Jesus told us to watch and be ready. Read Luke 12. "You too, be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect." Luke 12:40. Are you ready?

 

RSVP: Jesus has told us to be ready. What are you doing today to respond to His words? 

Prayer~ Dear God, show me what I can do today for myself, my family, friends, neighbors and community to help us all be ready for Your return. I joyously anticipate that day…whether it is while I’m living or after I’ve gone to “sleep” it will be a day to celebrate forever!

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

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

Heart Troubles

Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1

How appropriate that this verse would be my verse of today…since it was one of my Mom’s favorite verses. Believe in God…for God is love.

But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ... We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. - 1 John 4:8, 16 NLT

So don’t fret and worry…God loves you. Don’t be burdened with the cares of the world…God loves you. My Mom was a good example of one knew that God loved her and cared about what she cared about. Once when Jesus spoke to a crowd of people, He said…"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NLT. I recently experienced having someone come alongside of me—sharing my burden. A dear lady, Loretta, took me back and forth to the hospital where my husband was in Portugal and along the way we shared stories of how the Lord has been working in our lives. To me that was like having Jesus Himself share my burden. How do you give your cares and your worries to Jesus? Pray…and let go of them or at least let Him come alongside of you and share your burden. He may be there in the form of one of His devoted servants.

 RSVP: Jesus is offering to help you today. Will you allow Him to share whatever is troubling you?

Prayer~ Jesus, I give You my worries of today…my decisions as to what to do tomorrow. Thank You for caring enough about me to come alongside of me and help me think things out rationally and logically. I know I can’t do everything alone.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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

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

You Will Follow…Later

"Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.'" ... Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered, "Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later." Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times." John 13:33, 36-38

Peter did deny Jesus…three times. And then he cried—realizing what he had done. Are we like Peter? How do we deny Jesus? By not standing up for our Christian values…by laughing at TV sitcoms that make fun of our family values and standards…by turning away when we need to be helping someone…by not inviting our friends, coworkers and neighbors to special events at church…by not praying for the lost, whether they are in our home, neighborhood, community, country, or the world…or by not reading our Bible. The list goes on. If what we are doing is right and good, then it is for Jesus…but if not, then it is against Him, and thus denying Him. Life is tough. We have to make choices moment by moment to follow Him. Here are a couple of verses to help point us in the right direction:

They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. Titus 1:16
If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us… 2 Timothy 2:12

Jesus and His disciples discussed a similar situation earlier in His ministry. John said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you."  Luke 9:49-50. The same goes with us…we should encourage those who are for Christ…even if they are not sitting beside us at church. But take the log out of our eye, before we take the splinter out of someone else’s eye (Luke 6:42).  Choose the narrow path and do what is right.

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you today to do what is right and follow Him. Are you willing to do that? How will you respond to His invitation today?

Prayer~ Dear God, You told us to mark out a straight path for our feet and to stay on the safe path. (Proverbs 4:26 NLT) Open our eyes that we would see the path that You would have us walk along…that we would do what is pleasing to You…the right and good things that You want us to do. We praise You for Your hand of mercy on our lives.

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

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

Love One Another

"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." John 13:34-35  

Love. Love one another. Love like Jesus loved. Up to this point in His life Jesus had shown love by teaching, healing, feeding and being compassionate to people—even those who didn’t show Him love. That’s the kind of example Jesus is for us…loving those who don’t “deserve” our love—our compassion, our caring.  Sometimes that is even within our own family or circle of friends. I have a very loving family and supportive group of friends—but there are some in every community who aren’t loving. I think of the domestic violence victims who seemingly have no way out. Love one another. Reach out to victims like these people, mostly women and children, and help them. Help them find the Lord…and provide for their basic needs. That is what Jesus would do. That is how He would show His love. 

RSVP: Listen to Jesus’ voice today—He will tell you how He wants you to help others…to show His love. It may not be to those victims of Domestic Violence, but it may be to others who are in your home, neighborhood or community…or somewhere around the world who are lonely and just need to see Jesus in you. How will you respond today to Jesus’ voice calling you to love one another? 

Prayer~ Jesus, We know what real love is because You gave up Your life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion--how can God's love be in that person? So let us not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...from 1 John 3:16-18 NLT. Lord, may my actions speak louder than my words in giving You the glory and honor for showing me how to love others. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Love God…love the food He created! Something to share with others….

Foods that nourish are foods that show love…but then so do scrumptious desserts. Hmmm. What shall we feast on today? Something quick and simple that can be served at any time of day.

Avocado Baked Eggs – serves 2 (double recipe for 4)

1 ripe avocado

2 eggs
Salt and pepper (black or cayenne)
Fresh thyme, chives or basil
Cooked crumbled bacon

Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Cut avocado in half lengthwise. Remove seed and place on baking pan. Crack egg into hole in the egg. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and fresh herbs of your choice. Bake for 15 minutes. Top with additional fresh herbs and crumbled bacon, if desired. Serve with toast or a whole grain roll and fruit for a totally balanced meal.  

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

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

May 8 – Would You Betray Jesus?

Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!" John 13:21 NLT

Who would betray Jesus? Everyone knows it was Judas. His name has become synonymous with betrayal. Even in non-Christian circles, Judas is known for his disloyalty. For what are you known?

RSVP: Jesus was troubled—He knew who was about to unfaithfully identify Him for the Roman guards. If you were with Christ that night in the Garden, how would you have reacted to Jesus’ arrest? How are you responding today to identifying Jesus to others?

Prayer~ Jesus, it has been a long day—help me not to betray You in any way. I don’t want to be like Judas.

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 7 – I AM Messiah

I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I AM the Messiah. I tell you the truth, anyone who welcomes my messenger is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming the Father who sent me." John 13:19-20 NLT

Jesus is telling His disciples and us directly and specifically that He is The Messiah. The long awaited Christ the Savior for the Jewish people. Were they not listening? Hadn't they heard this before? Christ occurs 532 times in the King James Version of the New Testament. The Christ was to be the savior, but people were looking for a political hero--not a spiritual savior. What does Messiah or Christ mean to you? Is Jesus your Savior--a spiritual savior or are you still searching. Jesus declared that He was telling the truth-- that was a common statement for Him to make and soon He would tell them that He is Truth. He cannot lie, but He leaves it up to each individual as to whether they believe in Him--in His words and teachings.

RSVP: Jesus is challenging those who hear His words to welcome Him into their lives--and thus get to know His Father, too. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer~ Jesus, I praise and thank you that you challenge us to know you...to have a personal relationship with you. I do believe that you are the Messiah--first to the Jewish people...and then to everyone.

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

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

May 6 – Lead by Example…Jesus Did

So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” John 13:12-17

Blessed to be a blessing. Go and do likewise. Seems pretty simple--but how often do our own simple desires and agendas take presentable? Could that be considered as selfishness? Take a look at your motives and consider what Jesus would do if He were in your shoes. What would you do if it was Jesus Himself that you were serving?

I am leaving the beautiful people and country of Portugal today--so glad to be going home, but sad to have missed seeing so much here. The history, culture, picturesque countryside and the wonderful people are beaconing me to return. The sun is shining and a gentle breeze whispers--Portugal, Portugal. Arise and shine.

RSVP: Jesus is challenging you to do the right things. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer~ Jesus--You are my Lord and teacher. My example for living a life of holiness. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions that I would do the right things today--and be a blessing to others.

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

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

May 5 – Feet Washed by the Greatest Servant

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, "Lord, do You wash my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter." Peter said to Him, "Never shall You wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head." Jesus said to him, "He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." John 13:3-10  

Clean is clean. Wash up those dusty feet. Walk around all day on the dusty paths around Jerusalem and you'll want to wash your feet before your recline at the table for supper.  Usually a servant washed the guests' feet when the arrived--but that didn't happen, so Jesus Himself washed the disciples feet. What a humbling experience--for each of the disciples and for Jesus. Jesus had such a servant's heart. Nothing was beneath Him. He was willing to wash filthy, dusty feet--probably callused and rough. Would you be willing to humble yourself to wash a dozen guys dusty, dirty feet? To bow before them, one by one, remove their dirty sandals, pour water over their feet. What love.

I've had to do this and more for the last couple of weeks for my husband since he is recovering from hip replacement surgery. It has been humbling for both of us--but it also shows us how much we really do love each other--at a time when we've taken each other for granted. Do you love others enough to humbly kneel before them, take off their shoes and socks and wash their feet?

RSVP: Jesus is calling you to be a servant today. How will you respond to Him?

Prayer~ Jesus, help me to be more like you--willing to serve others in a way that may be humbling to me. 

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

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

May 4 – How's Your Hearing?

"I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me." John 12:46-50

How's your hearing? That is..how's your spiritual hearing? Have you heard what Jesus was saying? Jesus was asked...Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Love God...and love others. Love is the key. So how can we show love to others? Put them first--Romans 12 gives us some examples, including...For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Put others first--and treat others the way you want to be treated.

RSVP: Jesus is calling you to hear that His Father's commandments lead to eternal life. Respond to His light and life giving words--and then share them with others. Show your love for others by sharing Jesus with them.

Prayer~ Jesus, You are an awesome God and I hear Your voice telling me to love others--to share Your words of eternal life. I discovered today that as I treat my husband with kindness, others see it and see Your love in action. For that I give You glory, honor and praise. Thanks again for your healing touch on Jerry. Please continue to give him strength...and most of all a restful night. 

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

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

May 3 – Seeing is Believing

And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. "He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. John 12:44-45

Seeing and believing. Jesus was always pointing to and deferring to His Father. What an obedient son. He came to do the will of His Father--and that is just what He did. Do you believe...how willingly He obeyed? So many young adults are rebellious--but not Jesus. He's unbelievable--but don't doubt...believe. Trust Him what He said is true. Believe in Him and in the Father who sent Him.

RSVP: Can you open your eyes and see Jesus...and His Father--your own Heavenly Father? What do you see them doing in your life? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer~ Thank you, Jesus, for family and friends who care about us...when we are thousands of miles from them--and thank you for new friends who you have brought into our lives to help us through what has seemed like difficult times. Through them we know that You will never leave us or forsake us. We praise Your Holy name.

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

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

May 2 – Walk In the Light

So Jesus said to them, "For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. "While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light." These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them. John 12:35-36  

Walk in the light--not in darkness. It is so much safer to walk in the light. My husband can testify to that after haven fallen down some stairs while someone was still going ahead to turn on the light. A broken hip was the result--and for now life changes. With people walking in spiritual blindness they can fall, too. Can you turn on the light? Reading God's word can turn on the light for each of us. Then exercising the spiritual gifts-- that fruit of the Holy Spirit can turn on the light for others. Galatians 5:22-23 talks about that fruit.. The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. I haven't done too well lately on turning on the light for others--flipping the switch can be difficult when you are faced with a language barrier and under stress.  But that is no excuse for loosing my cool. Fear of the unknown and lack of trust are heavy burdens. I should have depended more on The Lord. How are you doing at turning on the light for others these days?

RSVP: Jesus is talking about the Light--He is the Light. He says to believe in the light. Do you?  Do you walk in the light? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer~ Forgive me for my lack of trust that You will take care of us. You have proven over and over that You do take care of us--for that we give You praise and honor. Please continue to give Jerry strength and Your healing touch. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
When you're given lemons--make lemonade...or better yet, Lemon Bars. These will bring a little sunshine into your life.

Lemony Lemon Bars
Preheat oven 325 degrees F (glass pan - 300 degrees)
Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups flour
Cream together until crumbly. Press 2/3 of crumb mixture into a 9x13 inch pan (reserve 1/3 crumbs) bake 20 minutes. Check the last few minutes to be sure the crust does not burn.

Filling
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp grated lemon rind
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
4 eggs, beaten

Combine ingredients. Pour over baked crust. Bake 25 minutes. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Bake another10-15 minutes. Cool. Cut into desired size pieces and enjoy. 

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

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

May 1 – A Voice Just For You

Jesus answered and said, "This voice (A voice from heaven heard in John 12:28) has not come for My sake, but for your sakes. "Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." John 12:30-32

 For your sake. Doesn't it make you feel special to think that God the Father is thinking of you--doing something special. That was giving His one and only Son-- that action would bring glory to both the Father and the Son. Jesus tells us plainly here that His action of being on the cross would give all men--not just Jews, not just wealthy, not just poor, not just Gentiles, but everyone in all times. Women, as well as men. Judgment was another consideration. Jesus is the judge. Here comes the Judge!

RSVP:  Do you know that Jesus will judge you? What difference does that make in your life--your actions today.

Prayer~ Jesus, as you went to the cross--you thought about every person who ever lived. May my thoughts, words, and actions be pleasing to you as you bring me closer to you.

Happy May Day! 

Share some spring flowers with your friends and family. 

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

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