Will Anxiety or Worry Add to Your Life?

Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life? And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field and learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?  Matthew 6:25-30 Amplified

Oh, you of little faith. Don’t worry and fret. Jesus tells us this several times in this passage. Webster’s defines worry as…to think about problems or fears: to feel or show fear and concern because you think that something bad has happened or could happen. …to make (someone) anxious or upset. God wants us to TRUST Him rather than worry. He cares about us and provides for us, as well as for plants and animals. We just need to trust Him. This “perpetually uneasy” condition is not one that just lasts a few minutes…a little fretting over small stuff like a sliver in a finger. But “perpetual” going on and on…. No trust there. Will it add to anyone’s quality or quantity of life? That is your life. 

RSVP: Jesus is asking you today to stop worrying…to trust in our Heavenly Father. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I give You my worries, my concerns, the uncertainties of life for me, for my family, friends, and neighbors. Please take these worries and give us the certainly of Your love and care. Thank you.

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

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

Two Masters?

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in).  Matthew 6:24 Amplified 

Two masters. Two people telling you what to do. Has that ever happened to you before? Two bosses, two parents, or two teachers…each wanting you to do something different. I imagine that it is just like Jesus said…you would be devoted to one and despise the other. If one of the masters is God…and the other is money then what a predicament. We know that God is the provider…but money…buys—everything. Yet money can’t buy eternal life…or contentment, peace, joy or love. Money doesn’t provide grace or security. No love comes with the love of money. Food only fills the stomach momentarily…and only the love of God can nourish the soil.  Love God…love money. Which will it be? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you today to love God…not money. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, lead me, show me how to totally trust You to provide for me, for my family, friends, and neighbors in a way that we serve only God, and not money. Our society today is so dependent on money—but we need to serve God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.

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

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

Light Casting Shadows?

The eye is the lamp of the body. So if your eye is sound, your entire body will be full of light. But if your eye is unsound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the very light in you [your conscience] is darkened, how dense is that darkness!  Matthew 6:22-23 Amplified 

Eyes glimmer, glow or sparkle…or not. Without light there is no shadow. If a person is unhappy, discontented with their life, or depressed, then their eyes are dull. No light shining from them. Casting no shadow. Just darkness engulfing the very breath and life out of a person and those around them. I’ve been there. Sad. No light from my eyes. And then there are other days, other weeks, months…years when joy has filled my heart and light shines brightly from my eyes. Sparkling eyes don’t cast dark shadows…but dancing lights that chase away darkness. Or lights so bright that the shadows are like that in the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky. Short shadows. What kind of shadow do you cast? 

RSVP: Jesus is asking you today to look into your own eyes and evaluate the light shining from them. What do you see…and how will you respond to Him today?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, You are the Light of the world; anyone, including me, who follows You will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. (John 8:12). Let Your light shine through me.

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

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

What Do You Treasure?

Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal;  for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21 Amplified

Treasures on earth—not only do they rust and rot…you can’t take them with you when you die. On the other hand, we can store up those precious and good treasures like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, hope, trust, happiness, truth, righteousness, affection, acceptance by God, and our names written in God’s Book of Life. Those things cannot be taken away or stolen from us and we can look forward to them in Heaven. Things that are eternal, not physical, can be valued and treasured now and for eternity. The focus of our hearts and minds is where our treasure is…on earth—rusting away…or in heaven—bountifully glowing. Where is your treasure…where is your heart?

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to examine your heart…and whatever it is that you value…treasure. Is it something that will rust away…or that you’ll have to leave behind when you die? How will you respond to Jesus today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, open my eyes that I may see my treasure as You see it. Show me it’s true value. Help me to value the things that You value…and live for Heaven sent treasures. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It’s a great time to enjoy fresh garden and Farmer’s Market produce. I haven’t grown eggplant…but it looks so good at the Farmer’s Market that I can’t resist. That purple color is so regal. Not everyone in my family loves sweet peppers, so that’s optional. I love them, so I’ve included them. Here’s a recipe adapted from my friend Marianne N. that uses fresh eggplant, sweet peppers, basil and tomatoes. Enjoy! 

Scalloped Eggplant

1 medium eggplant, peeled and cubed

2 large fresh tomatoes, peeled and sliced

1 large fresh sweet pepper, sliced, optional

1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced

1 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

¼ cup unsalted melted butter, divided

½ tsp salt

½ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced

½ cup dried bread crumbs

2 Tbsp parmesan cheese, grated 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In an ovenproof casserole, arrange eggplant cubes, tomato slices, sweet peppers if desired, and then onions. Drizzle with 1/8 cup melted butter. Sprinkle with salt and basil. Bake covered for 20 minutes. Top with mozzarella cheese. Stir together bread crumbs and 1/8 cup melted butter. Sprinkle on top, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake 10 minutes uncovered or until cheese is bubbly. Enjoy on a hot summer day with a fresh tossed salad and cold meats.

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

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

Fast for….

And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already. But when you fast, perfume your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may not be noticed by men but by your Father, Who sees in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.  Matthew 6:16-18 Amplified 

Give in secret…fast in secret. God really likes to keep things private. WHEN you fast…not IF you fast, no one should know that you are fasting. Fasting is generally considered to be giving up a meal…or several meals. It could be giving up other things…dessert, soda, even television, sports or other entertainment. Fasting should be done to focus on the Lord…not to focus on what we’re giving up. Jesus Himself fasted, eating nothing, for 40 days at the beginning of His ministry. At this point in His ministry when Jesus is speaking to His followers in the Sermon on the Mount He had just taught on prayer. Now He is adding in the dimension of fasting. Fasting makes prayer more powerful. It should be done with a humble, obedient and focused heart. Consider the fasting that Paul wrote about in 2 Corinthians 11. Should we fast now? Yes. When faced with faced with serious predicaments, illness, or when sending out missionaries, it is warranted to fast. The time should be used to remember the reason for the fast and to privately focus on the Lord in prayer.    

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you today to consider fasting in a private, secretive way. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Lord, I return to You with all my heart, and with fasting, weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12). You have my heart, my soul and my attention—bathed in the perfume of Your love. Thank you for this lesson on fasting--privately.

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

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

 

Forgive and Be Forgiven

For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.  Matthew 6:14-15 Amplified

Forgiveness. Forgiveness is the cancelation of debt or obligations. It’s an important concept in Christianity. God has forgiven us…we must forgive others.  Paul taught the church at Colossians… So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:12-14. This was also emphasized to the church at Ephesus… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32. That “giving up resentment” is so freeing. 

Moses pleaded with God to forgive…to take away the sins of the Hebrew people after they made and worshiped the golden calf (Exodus 32:32). Jesus Himself when He was on the cross pleaded with God the Father to forgive… When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. Luke 23:33-34. 

Forgive-forgive-forgive. Peter asked Jesus a very important question …"Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Matthew 18:21-22. Seventy times seven is to be a countless number—you can’t keep track of that many offenses—of all those resentments. That is countless forgiveness. Is there anyone you need to forgive…or to ask for their forgiveness?  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to look into your heart today…and seek forgiveness…for others, so that God the Father will forgive you. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalms 51:2. I thank you for taking my sin to the cross—and for teaching me to humble myself and forgive others…that I, too, would be forgiven.

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

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

Prayer to Our Heavenly Father

Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name.  Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors. And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.  Matthew 6:9-13 Amplified

This is a classic prayer that Jesus taught His disciples when they asked Him to teach them to pray. Look at the parts of it…honor the Heavenly Father whose will be done here on earth, just like in heaven. Ask for daily food—physical and spiritual. Jesus also stressed the need for forgiveness of mistakes made against us…and for us to forgive others. He knows that we can be tempted—so He asks that not fall into temptation—but that we be delivered from Satan’s influence. The Heavenly Father’s kingdom, power and glory will last forever. That is it in a nutshell. If you don’t know what to pray—use Jesus’ format as an example.  

RSVP: Jesus is offering us a plan, a guideline for prayer. He just wants us to honor our Heavenly Father. How will you respond to Him today?

 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, You are holy above all other gods and I honor You. Thank you for providing for my physical and spiritual needs. Forgive me for the way I have treated some other people and for my selfish  attitude. Protect my heart and mind and keep me from falling into evil ways. May my life bring you glory and honor—for Your kingdom will be forever.

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

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

Prayer is Important.

And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:7-8 Amplified 

Say what you mean…in a few words. I love that God knows us so well that He knows what we need before we ask Him. Prayer is important. We need to pray often. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Luke 5:16. Through Paul to the church at Thessalonica we’re taught… pray without ceasing…1 Thessalonians 5:17. In the Garden of Gethsemane just before His arrest, Jesus said to His disciples…"Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke 22:46. Pray without ceasing…all the time, even when you are tired and want to sleep, but without meaningless repetition. OK. That is becoming more of a challenge. We don’t want to be like the followers of Baal—see 1 Kings 18:18-39—where Elijah confronted Ahab and the followers of Baal to follow the true God. Elijah teases the Baal worshipers that their god may be sleeping…call out in a loud voice to him. Our God never sleeps… Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalms 121:4

Prayer is important. There are thousands of books written on prayer. Whatever they say…prayer is still just communicating with God. With. That is the key. We don’t just talk…we have to listen. But let God know your heart, as He already does. He wants to hear it from you. Here are a few more encouraging verses on prayer:

Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. - Mark 11:24

It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. - Luke 6:12

Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you….2 Thessalonians 3:1

Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension. 1 Timothy 2:8

…and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake. Philemon 1:6  

RSVP: So Jesus is calling you…inviting you…to pray—without ceasing in meaningful prayer. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I’ve been feeling sick with a sore throat for several days. I’m asking You to touch and heal my throat. Thank You.

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; ... Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:13-14, 16.

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

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

Pray Privately

Also when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward in full already. But when you pray, go into your [most] private room, and, closing the door, pray to your Father, who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you in the open. Matthew 6:5-6 Amplified 

Prayer is such a sweet communion time with God. It’s nice to pray corporately on Sunday morning…and with Bible Study groups, but there is something special about having time alone with God. It’s like having time alone with a special friend—when you don’t have to hurry. You can just sit and enjoy the conversation and even time when no one says anything. It is important to listen, too. If you do all the talking, what good is that? Listen. Shut off your own thoughts and agenda for even just a few minutes and listen intently. What do you hear? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you today to pray…and to listen to the Father’s voice. It may be a still small voice or one booming in your heart and ears. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus…thank you for this reminder to pray secretly. Hear the prayers I whisper into Your ear today. There are so many needs…and praises. As written in Philippians 4:6-7…Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. …It is that peace that I seek…and I privately request from You.

 

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

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

Giving Secretly

Thus, whenever you give to the poor, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites in the synagogues and in the streets like to do, that they may be recognized and honored and praised by men. Truly I tell you, they have their reward in full already.  But when you give to charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your deeds of charity may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:2-4 Amplified 

Hush-Hush. Don’t tell anyone what you are giving—tithes, offerings, special gifts, charity gifts, contributions or handouts. It’s between you and God…it all belongs to Him anyway. 

I’ve spent the day shuffling papers, books, discarded items for Goodwill…and this is just the start. How did we accumulate so much paperwork in 42 years? Is it possible to condense it?  Does any of it deal with gifts or giving? Not much. But we do have to keep investment papers and tax records. And then there are photographs, notes, and old recipes from gourmet club that are more than 40 years old now. Is my time better spent doing something for the Lord or studying His word than looking at old papers? Get rid of it already…but don’t give the paperwork to the poor—they wouldn’t want it either! “Have a place for everything…and everything in its place” became my motto a few years ago. Everything belongs to God…so take care of it as He would…and don’t let it overpower you! I guess I can’t shout from the street corner when I get it all organized and reduced to a manageable amount. No one will praise or honor me for what I should have been doing in the first place. Organizing my stuff—and quietly giving useable item to charity.   

RSVP: Jesus was advising His followers, including us, to quietly give to charity and not make a show or production of it. Don’t call attention to our actions. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, help me to deal wisely with the accumulation of paraphernalia that is overpowering my life. As is written in Philippians 4:10-13 (The Message)…I’m glad in God, far happier than any one would ever guess—happy that my brothers and sisters in Christ are again showing such strong concern for me. Not that they ever quit praying and thinking about me. They just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in You, Jesus, for it is You who makes me who I am. ...And now I'll give quietly as You've taught.

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

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

Anonymous Deeds

Take care not to do your good deeds publicly or before men, in order to be seen by them; otherwise you will have no reward [reserved for and awaiting you] with and from your Father Who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1 Amplified

If everyone were to boast about their good deeds—good works—then those actions would become meaningless. No reward—not even any self-satisfaction when someone has to boast about themselves. Look what I did…how great am I?! What kind of person is so egotistical as that? Like the Pharisees? That is probably who Jesus didn’t want His followers to imitate…to become. Self-righteous. Self-righteousness is not rewarded by the Heavenly Father. No bragging.

RSVP: Jesus is telling His followers not to be braggers…to be humble and that the Heavenly Father would reward them for their actions…good deeds. How will He see your good deeds today? How will you respond to Him?                                                                                                              

Prayer ~ Jesus, let my light shine before our Heavenly Father…not before men. May the things I do for You not draw attention to me…but to You. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

I’ve been feeling a little under the weather—fighting a cold—for a few days. A friend surprised me and delivered a tasty treat this evening. What a way to perk up my day! She’s not a boaster…it was quietly, secretively delivered. Sweets from a sweet Child of the King. May God richly reward her! 

Tea Treats - Lemon Pound Cake 

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, well beaten

2 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup milk 

Grease and flour a loaf pan. Pre-heat the oven to 325°F.

Mix together sugar and butter. Add eggs and lemon juice; mix well. Add salt, flour, and baking powder to mixture. Add milk. Pour the batter into pan and bake for 1 hour, or until golden brown. 

For a sweeter fancy cake, mix 1/3 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup sugar. Use a toothpick to make holes in top of cake and drizzle lemon juice and sugar mixture over the top of the cake when you remove it from the oven. Or frost with your favorite frosting.   

For tea, slice thin and top with a dab of cream cheese and half a raspberry, slice of  strawberry or slivered almonds.

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

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

Can We Be Perfect?

To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike]. For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that? You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:45-48 Amplified

Be perfect. Perfect—without fault. Wow. That is a big order. Be good and kind, do what is right. Those things we can do, but “be perfect” is a hard one. We think of only Jesus being perfect. So we must strive to be like Jesus. These Amplified Bible verses gives some further guidance…maturing in Christian character—especially with virtue and integrity. Virtue or moral excellency and integrity or honesty are Christian traits that are of utmost value. The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. Proverbs 11:3. Love others…neighbors and enemies…with utmost virtue and integrity. That would be what Jesus would do. So that is what we should do—to be perfect like Jesus.

RSVP: Jesus is calling His followers to be perfect like our Heavenly Father is…like He is. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Heavenly Father…just as it is written in James 1:2-4…We consider it all joy, when we encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its perfect result, so that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Perfect…like Jesus.

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

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

Pray For Those Who Persecute You

You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…. Matthew 5:43-44 Amplified 

Love your neighbor as yourself…love your enemies. Jesus teaches more than just loving our enemies…But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Luke 6:35. Who are our enemies? Those who are doing battle/fighting with the United States…but closer to home, those who just have different goals and ideals than we have. They may be of another religion—wanting to persecute the Christians. Yes. I’d agree that they would be my “enemy” but we can even see enemies as subversive groups who would want to change the American way of life…and seek a communist agenda for our nation. Pray for those who would persecute you. That was Jesus’ advice—good for His followers then and good for us now. Pray.  

RSVP: Jesus is telling us to love even our enemies…love—do good for them—lend them food, clothing, shelter and expect nothing in return. Treat them with respect and pray for them. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, there are people with whom I don’t feel comfortable and it’s hard to love an enemy. But because You’ve directed us to “love your enemies” I will do what I can to show them grace, compassion, and to do good things for them. I pray that they would come to know You as their Lord and Savior. That is more important than anything in life. Thank you for hearing my prayers.

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

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

 

Giving to the Beggar

Give to him who keeps on begging from you, and do not turn away from him who would borrow [at interest] from you. Matthew 5:42 Amplified 

Neither a borrower nor a lender be…. Jesus is telling us here to give…and to lend. If God has blessed us, then we should share. It all belongs to Him anyway, right? We come into this world with nothing…and leave with nothing. We can’t take it with us, but it is nice to leave our families secure—so they don’t have to be the beggars or borrowers. If they become beggars…will you take care of them? Makes me want to give to those beggars that we see on the street corners with the signs…HOMELESS—PLEASE HELP or WILL WORK FOR FOOD. I’ve heard that those people make a pretty good income. In the city of Spokane I once saw two beggars arguing over who could “work” a particular street corner. Pushing and shoving—angry faces—belligerent voices. I didn’t want to stick around there. They had a racket going. Do I need to give to them? I don’t think so…but Jesus says to give. Maybe I need to rethink this begging issue. Would they want a loan? 

RSVP: Jesus is telling us to give to those begging and to lend if we are asked. Is there something we can give them spiritually as well as monetarily? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, help me to see and meet the needs of those who are begging and needy—physically and spiritually. Give me wisdom to know how to help them. 

Happy Anniversary, Lisa & Kim.

Blessings on you…today and always.

Love & Prayers.

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

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

Go the Extra Mile - Give Extra Effort

You have heard that it was said, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.  But I say to you, Do not resist the evil man [who injures you]; but if anyone strikes you on the right jaw or cheek, turn to him the other one too.  And if anyone wants to sue you and take your undershirt (tunic), let him have your coat also.  And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two [miles]. Matthew 5:38-41 Amplified

On a hot day along a dusty road it may be difficult to walk one mile…carrying someone’s pack. So going two miles or more may be even more arduous. But that is just what Jesus is suggesting…go the extra mile—turn the other cheek—do more than is expected of you. At work—give extra effort. If something seems “good enough,” it isn’t. Do your best, not just good enough. I like this verse…Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 NLT. (See December 29, 2013 blog post.) It reminds me of the first time I heard that verse and was battling with a bad attitude about ironing my husband’s work shirts. When I started ironing them…as if ironing them for Jesus Himself, suddenly it wasn’t such a horrible task and my servant hood attitude changed. I try to apply that same attitude to all my housework…even cleaning toilets. If it seems just good enough—it isn’t. Clean the floors, toilet, and walls as sparkling clean as I would if Jesus were going to visit today. Is that like going an extra mile?   

RSVP: Jesus is calling us to do more than is expected of us. What can we do beyond what He wants us to do for Him? Helping others, serving, giving, and teaching others about Him? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ I thank you Christ Jesus my Lord, for You have given me strength to do Your work. You considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve You…1 Timothy 1:12 NLT. Give me skill and vision to see beyond myself, to have a good attitude and be willing to give extra effort to anything I do.

Happy 35^th Anniversary—Joe & Deb.

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

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

Yes or No…No In Between

Again, you have heard that it was said to the men of old, you shall not swear falsely, but you shall perform your oaths to the Lord [as a religious duty]. But I tell you, do not bind yourselves by an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is the throne of God; or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black.  Let your Yes be simply Yes, and your No be simply No; anything more than that comes from the evil one.   Matthew 5:33-37 Amplified 

Yes is Yes and No is No. Well…maybe. No. that is not what Jesus is teaching. Yes or No.

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.  Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.  For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord….James 1:5-7.

No wishy washy answers. Yes or No. Think. Follow Jesus’ teachings. Ask for what you need. Live for today and make the most of it…no giving in to the evil one’s influence. Is what you are struggling with answered by Jesus’ teachings?  Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Think about it. Usually it boils down to those two things…God and neighbors. And who is your neighbor? Anyone and everyone. Some people have a hard time saying “No” to others. They just want to please others, or not to offend them, but they get walked over and used. If that is you…practice saying that important word…NO. Say it again, out loud…NO. One more time “NO.” Now it is in your vocabulary. Practice saying it as needed. You can still be loving and say, “NO.” 

RSVP: Jesus is challenging us to make our Yes be Yes and our No be No. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father,, lead me today to follow Your will and Your way that I would be able to make my “Yes” be “Yes” and my “No” be “No” in a way that is pleasing and obedient to You.

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

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

Divorce?

It has also been said, whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce. But I tell you, whoever dismisses and repudiates and divorces his wife, except on the grounds of unfaithfulness (sexual immorality), causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a woman who has been divorced commits adultery. Matthew 5:31-32 Amplified

Divorce. The divorce rate statistics on the CDC website for 2011 was 36 percent. That is below the fifty percent that we so often hear quoted. That is encouraging. But Jesus is teaching that those divorcing are committing adultery…one of the “thou shalt not…” found in the Ten Commandments. That doesn’t stop people who have irreconcilable differences—unhappy circumstances that just can’t be endured. No “til death do us part” commitment will keep them together. Things haven’t changed from Moses’ time…or from Jesus’ time. We still just can’t seem to get it right. Commitment is important—whether it is to a spouse or the Lord.

 

Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalms 37:5

Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3. 

With the Lord’s help…can people work on their relationship…their commitment to their spouse? God gave instructions early to people to “love”…You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18. Are our spouses our “neighbors?” I think everyone is considered a “neighbor” in Jesus eyes. Love is the key. Love is the answer. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves…. Philippians 2:3. Is that love? Can it prevent divorce? What do you think? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting people to keep their marriage pure…unadulterated. How will you respond to His invitation in your life? 

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, I need Your help to love others as myself. Let Your love shine through me…that others would see Your love, commitment and plan for all our lives.

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

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

Are You Headed for Gehenna?

You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who so much as looks at a woman with evil desire for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye serves as a trap to ensnare you or is an occasion for you to stumble and sin, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be cast into hell (Gehenna). And if your right hand serves as a trap to ensnare you or is an occasion for you to stumble and sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better that you lose one of your members than that your entire body should be cast into hell (Gehenna). Matthew 5:27-30 Amplified

Are you headed for Gehenna? For hell? How could that be? It isn’t something that people “plan” on doing—going to hell…any more than they “plan” to commit adultery, or plan to kill, steal or lie. Or do they? Do you? Jesus was teaching His followers there in His Sermon on the Mount, and us now, that the way a person thinks about something is just as if it were that way. We usually think about something before we do it. Jesus used adultery as an example—but it can apply to any of the six human relational Ten Commandments. Those are:

            Honor your father and mother.

            Thou shall not kill.

            Thou shall not commit adultery.

            Thou shall not steal.

            Thou shall not bear false witness (lie).

            Thou shall not covet.
Just thinking those things is the same as to do them. In addition He was teaching that these even go beyond “thinking” in that “killing” could be to ruin someone’s reputation or defame their character, not actually harming their body. So what are we to do? Here are some scripture gems that I’ve treasured…in my heart. May these be guiding words for us all.

…but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:4

…in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.1 John 3:20

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

My current “favorite” verse of promise and encouragement is one that direct us to think with our head and our heart…before we act.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 

 

RSVP: Jesus is teaching us about behavior that is pleasing to God…and creates good relationships with other people. How will you respond to Him today? Will you dwell on the good, the true and  the beautiful?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10  

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

How about some meringue? Light as a cloud—heavenly? A refreshing summer dessert when topped with fresh fruit or ice cream…or both! 

Meringue Shell Clouds  - serves 8-10

Heat oven to 275 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3 egg whites

¼ tsp cream of tartar

¾ cup sugar 

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a small mixing bowl. It is important for the bowl and the beaters to be totally grease/oil free. Any grease will keep the egg whites from becoming stiff. Add sugar 1 Tbsp at a time and continue beating until stiff and glossy. Do not under beat.  Create individual meringue shell clouds by dropping about 1/3 cup meringue onto the baking sheet, shaping it into circles with a dent in the middle. Bake 1 hour. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues in the oven with the door CLOSED 1 ½ hours. Finish cooling at room temperature. Fill just before serving. Use your imagination for fillings. Ice cream or sorbet with chopped fresh peaches, strawberries, or raspberries,  topped with hot fudge sauce and then slivered almonds. Garnish with some fresh mint.

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

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

 

Think – Make Friends with Accusers

Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way traveling with him, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last fraction of a penny. Matthew 5:25-26 Amplified 

I don’t get the whole idea of putting people in jail until they paid their fine. How does that work since they can’t work and make money if they are in jail? Hmmm…. So best thing is not to get into a mess financially or otherwise…but if you do, then Jesus says to make friends with your accusers. Settle on some terms out of court so that you don’t get thrown into jail. Good advice. Sometimes things happen. Keep your head on straight, use your brain, common sense, and good advice and get yourself out of messy situations as quickly as possible. Then use it as a building block…a life lesson and don’t get into a messy situation again.  Read Proverbs. Here’s an illustration from Chapter 2.

My son, if you will receive my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to skillful and godly Wisdom and inclining and directing your heart and mind to understanding [applying all your powers to the quest for it]; Yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures,  Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God. For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity, that He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints.  Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and fair dealing [in every area and relation]; yes, you will understand every good path. For skillful and godly Wisdom shall enter into your heart, and knowledge shall be pleasant to you.  Discretion shall watch over you, understanding shall keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil and the evil men, from men who speak perverse things and are liars, men who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness…Proverbs 2:1-13 Amplified

RSVP: Jesus is giving us advice on reconciling with those we’ve financially offended. If this applies, listen up and respond to them and to Him. How will you answer Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, give me wisdom and understanding when dealing with anyone I’ve offended. I praise You for Your gentle ways and for answering my prayers.

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

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

Make Peace With Your Brother

So if when you are offering your gift at the altar you there remember that your brother has any [grievance] against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come back and present your gift.  Matthew 5:23-24 Amplified 

So Jesus doesn’t say it is up to your brother…friend or neighbor…to make peace with you. You take the first step and be reconciled—make things right in your relationship—with them. Humbling experience. Put things right with others. It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong—maybe you are both at fault a little. What matters is that you mend the relationship. I’ve always liked that passage that Paul wrote to the followers at Philippi. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves….Philippians 2:3. If we put others’ needs, concerns and welfare before our own (selfish) desires then life just gets a little better somehow. Working things out with someone or at least looking at things with a different perspective casts an inner glow—gives joy—takes away the bitter taste. I just had to have a talk recently with God…to make peace with Him. I feel better for it. No point in being mad at someone…even God. How do you it feel when you make peace with someone?  

RSVP: Jesus is advising you to make peace with someone…to reestablish a good relationship with a brother, friend, neighbor or even God. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Dear God, restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Psalms 51:12. I want peace in my heart and life…and peace within the relationships in my family, my friends, and neighbors, and with You. Thank you, Jesus, for Your love and guidance in my life.

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

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

Do You Have Anger Issues?

You have heard that it was said to the men of old, you shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court. But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, you cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire.  Matthew 5:21-22 Amplified

Anger is a powerful emotion. So strong that it can result in murder…but here Jesus is teaching us that just to continue to be angry with someone or to insult someone is like to murder them…either physically or emotionally. We are supposed to deal with anger…like Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:25-27.  

I used to get so mad…at mostly my family or just life’s frustrations…and then I’d just explode, giving the excuse that I’m part Irish. But God dealt with me on that and I still get angry…but I deal with it. Talking with friends helps…and writing things down gives me a perspective that is useful to solve my problems and frustrations. How do you deal with anger? What has Jesus done to help you with your life issues…especially anger? 

RSVP: Don’t be a fool…listen to Jesus and respond to His invitation today. His invitation is to deal with the anger that you may have buried in your heart. How will you RSVP to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, shine Your light into my heart and reveal to me any issues that I may need to deal with so that I can have a good relationship with each person in my family, my circle of friends, and within my neighborhood. I want a good relationship with You, too.

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

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

Enter the Kingdom of Heaven

For I tell you, unless your righteousness (your uprightness and your right standing with God) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 Amplified

Jesus was speaking in this scripture passage to a group of people who had followed Him along the Sea of Galilee and up a mountain—where they all sat down and He taught them. He was giving them instruction on the right way to live—not in a legalistic way—but in a way that would please our Heavenly Father and allow them…and us…to have good relationships with others around us. Life is all about relationships. Us to God—God to us—and us with other human beings. Right living—righteousness. 

Going to heaven is the ultimate goal for so many people—even in Jesus day. Is that the Kingdom of Heaven?  The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is only found in the book of Matthew. In Greek this word “heaven” refers to the seat of order of things eternal—or where God dwells. “Kingdom” refers to a territory subject to a ruler or a king. Additionally, the kingdom is of heavenly or divine origin and nature. Jesus used this phrase “kingdom of heaven” or “kingdom of God” to illustrate the perfect order He was about to establish. So since Jesus established this “kingdom,” it is already here. Usually it is something that people look forward to…after an earthly death. In Philippians 3:20we read…For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ….  Hebrews 12:23 tells us…that we are “enrolled” in heaven. Read Hebrews 12 for more heavenly discussion. The last two verses are encouraging…Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29. The kingdom of heaven cannot be shaken. No earthquakes there…no tumbling down of buildings, no wars…or even rumors of wars. Heaven is a wonderful place. The best part of God’s Kingdom is that it begins when we accept Christ as our Savior…we enter into that kingdom right away. We don’t have to wait until we die. God opens His arm and we become His children…in His kingdom immediately. Do you feel those loving arms around you?

RSVP: Jesus’ invitation today is for you to seek a righteous life, not a legalistic response to Laws …but a relationship with Him and with His Father. How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I seek first a kingdom relationship with You and with our Heavenly Father, to live in a righteous way that is pleasing to You (Matthew 6:33).

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

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