Celebrate! Christmas in October

Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:8  

I just celebrated Christmas with my extended family—in October. We usually get together the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but this year we got together a bit earlier. My sister and her husband got married 25 years ago…and then they were killed eight weeks later. So in honor of them we gathered to celebrate their anniversary…and Christmas. Jesus IS the reason for the season…and the reason for everyday! Celebrate! Celebrate the feast! The FEAST of Christmas. The Jews celebrated the Jewish festivals with feasts as God directed Moses to instruct them. Our celebrations are festivals—but with a different emphasis—Jesus. For our family this weekend it was nice to get-together and party with the emphasis on Jesus and family relationships—not secular emphasis. Try it—celebrate Jesus at a different time of the year than December 25^th. The emphasis will be where you place it. What would you do to celebrate Jesus? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to celebrate Him every day! How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer: Dear Jesus—we celebrate Your birth and Your life. You are the reason for every day…for life. We love You.

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

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

Parables Fulfilled

These things all taken together Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, without a parable He said nothing to them. This was in fulfillment of what was spoken by the prophet: I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things that have been hidden since the foundation of the world. Matthew 13:34-35 Amplified

Jesus was quoting Psalm 78:2-3. 

Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. Psalm 78:1-4

This wasn’t a new concept—it was predicted there in Psalms that He would speak in parables. There were lots of other predictions about Jesus that came true…from His humble birth—to His glorious resurrection. And some day He will be coming back to take His church to Heaven—that is predicted, too. The disciples asked Jesus about His return. As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" Matthew 24:3. Continue reading in Matthew 24 for Jesus’ response. It includes…"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. ... "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Matthew 24:14, 29-31. 

Paul wrote about the end times in his letter to the Corinthians. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. We will be changed—but we have to be changed here on earth first—to believe in Jesus as the Son of God if we are to experience Heaven at all.  

RSVP: Can you believe that Jesus is coming back? How will you respond to Him and this promise of His return? 

Prayer ~ Jesus Christ, Lord and Master, I hear Your parables and know that You are giving us wisdom through those words. Continue to speak to me, to my family, friends and neighbors—that we would be blessed to be a blessing to others. Thank You for Your promises. I eagerly await Your return.

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

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

Leaven

He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like leaven (sour dough) which a woman took and covered over in three measures of meal or flour till all of it was leavened. Matthew 13:33 Amplified 

This parable would have spoken to women who could associate the kingdom of heaven with the leaven used in making bread. Leaven is mixed into the dough made up of flour, salt and water. The leaven makes the dough rise. Likewise as the gospel is hidden in people’s heart it grows and changes their hearts. Such is the Kingdom of Heaven. It permeates people’s hearts and lives—making them aware of God’s Kingdom and the way that God wants us to live. Leaven is sometimes referred to as sin…but in this parable it is not sin, but used to show how God’s Kingdom spreads within a person’s heart…and within a community. Has leaven been hidden in your heart? 

RSVP: Jesus is continuing to speak in parables. Has leaven been placed into your heart? How will you respond to Jesus today? 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, allow Your gospel to grow in my heart and life and for Your love to spread to my family, friends and neighbors. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Thinking about leaven and bread brings to mind this Portuguese Sweet Rolls. 

Portuguese Sweet Rolls

½ cup warm potato water (105 degrees F) – from cooking the potato

2 tablespoons (or 2 pkg) instant yeast
½ cup warm milk

½ cup mashed potato

¼ cup melted, unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon grated lemon or orange peel

4½ to 5 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add yeast to the potato water. Let sit about five minutes. Add all of the remaining ingredients, adding the 4½ cups of flour last, stirring until the dough starts to leave the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, or until it's smooth and shiny. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow the dough to rise till puffy though not necessarily doubled in bulk, about 90 minutes, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.  

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, and divide it into 24 pieces. Round each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls in a lightly greased 12 x 12-inch (sticky bun) pan, or equivalent (two 9-inch round pans, a 9 x 13-inch pan.) Cover the pan, and allow the rolls to rise for about 1 hour and doubled in bulk.

Bake the rolls in a preheated 325°F oven for 30 minutes, tenting lightly with aluminum foil after the first 20 minutes. Remove them from the oven when they're golden brown, and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 24 rolls.

hApPy bIrThDaY – Mary Ellen! Blessings~

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

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

The Kingdom of Heaven

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. Matthew 13:44-48 

Jesus spoke to His disciples and followers about the Kingdom of Heaven in several parables. Here He refers to the treasure or the pearl of great worth and the fish that are going—or not going—to heaven. Heaven is a treasure worth seeking. The disciples asked Him about the kingdom. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4. Kids can be so bold and honest. My 5 year old grandson, Isaac, and 2 year old granddaughter, Lydia, were at the neighborhood park nearby, climbing on the play equipment.  Another little girl a couple of years older than Isaac was playing there too. Isaac said to her, “My name is Isaac, and this is my sister, Lydia. Do you believe in God?” She answered him, “We don’t go to church?” So Isaac says, “Well, why don’t you.” She ran off. Now that is bold. The seed is planted that other kids do go to church and do believe in God. He’s that kid that Jesus was talking about. How about you?   

RSVP: Jesus has described the Kingdom of Heaven. Did you hear Him? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, the disciples wanted to know who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Isn’t that You? You are awesome and the treasure of Heaven worth seeking. Thank you for the Your revelation and insights into God’s Kingdom.

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

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

Seeing Eyes, Hearing Ears

But blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are your eyes because they do see, and your ears because they do hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men [men who were upright and in right standing with God] yearned to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.  Matthew 13:16-17 Amplified 

Jesus spoke in parables that people in His time could understand…sheep, farming, hospitality. But some of the people still didn’t see, hear or understand. Jesus was giving instruction and guidance at a spiritual level. Will people today understand any better? Our society today is at such a temporal level. Worldly orientated—not focusing on spiritual matters. Just entertainment…TV, movies, sports, video games and internet exploring. Are your eyes and ears blessed because you see spiritual things that Jesus has taught? He spoke to His disciples—but the message is the same for us. Do we need discernment so that we can understand what He was teaching? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to open your eyes and ears to see and hear not only His words, but to open your heart to Him and understand what He is teaching. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, open my eyes and ears to see and hear Your words…and give me discernment and understanding that I can apply it to my life. Bless my family, friends, and neighbors with this understanding also that their lives would be focused on You. Give us all the desire to live to please You.

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

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

Why Parables?

Then the disciples came to Him and said, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And He replied to them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has [spiritual knowledge], to him will more be given and he will be furnished richly so that he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is the reason that I speak to them in parables: because having the power of seeing, they do not see; and having the power of hearing, they do not hear, nor do they grasp and understand.”  Matthew 13:10-13 Amplified  

Why parables? Why did Jesus teach in parables? He tells us in this scripture passage that the parables give spiritual knowledge to those who understand and those who don’t understand—just loose out. They don’t see, hear or understand.  That’s how it is today, too. Those who understand spiritual things get more comprehension of God’s kingdom, His will and His way. Those who are blinded or deaf to spiritual things just go on about their way…and don’t have any regard for God’s ways or maybe even God’s family. How do you feel about the stories that Jesus told? Do they make sense to you?

He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:15. If you want more understanding of God…His ways, His mercy, His love and the home He has created in heaven, just ask. Pray for understanding. Jesus told His disciples…"and all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Matthew 21:22.  

RSVP: Jesus spoke in parables. Listen closely. How will you respond to His words today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I read Your words—I see Your message. Help me to hear and understand—and share this knowledge with others—that they would see, hear and understand. Give us wisdom.

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

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

End of Sermon on the Mount – Are You Amazed?

When Jesus had finished these sayings [the Sermon on the Mount], the crowds were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His teaching, for He was teaching as One Who had [and was] authority, and not as [did] the scribes.  Matthew 7:28-29 Amplified 

Jesus finished His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount there by the Sea of Galilee. In this He was teaching His followers and His disciples about the way of righteous living and the righteousness of God, not about salvation. This is still applicable today.  When you read Matthew chapters 5-7 are you amazed or astonished as the crowd who heard Jesus speak? Do you follow Jesus’ teachings when it comes to His laws of murder reconciliation, adultery, divorce, oaths, nonresistance or love? (Matthew 5:17-48) Do you pray, give, fast, or avoid anxiety as He taught? Do you judge…or not judge? Do you have a foundation in Jesus Christ for your life? (Matthew 6-7).  

RSVP: Jesus has authority given to Him by God the Father. He taught His followers two thousand years ago how to live righteously, and that applies to us today. How will you respond to His teaching today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, You may have been finished teaching that multitude of people there at the hillside near Chorazin, but Your teachings are so very important to me—to help me and my family and friends live in a way that is pleasing to You…and our Heavenly Father. Thank you.

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

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

A Strong Rock Foundation

So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock.  And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.  And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it. Matthew 7: 24-27 Amplified

What an example of “listen and obey!” Who wants their house to fall down?  Build your house on the rock—literally and figuratively. Jesus IS the rock that He was referring to in this illustration. Obey His words—not just suggestions—but commands and you’ll have a strong house. That house is the temple of the Holy Spirit in your heart. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19. Be strong. Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a song with actions that kids sing that tells this same story.

The Wise Man Built His House

The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
And the rain came tumbling down

Oh, the rain came down

And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the wise man's house stood firm.

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

The foolish man built his house upon the sand
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
And the rain came tumbling down

Oh, the rain came down

And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the foolish man's house went "splat!" [clap hands once]
 
So, build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
And the blessings will come down

Oh, the blessings come down

As your prayers go up

The blessings come down

As your prayers go up

The blessings come down

As your prayer go up

So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

RSVP: Jesus is offering us an invitation today to build our house—our life—on Him. He provides a strong, sure foundation. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I want my life, as well as that of my children, grandchildren, family, friends and neighbors, to be built on Your teachings, values and love. A firm foundation to guide us all in the way we should live and treat others. Thank you Jesus for this practical lesson that will help us to grow more like You every day.

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

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

Does Jesus Know You?

Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?  And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. Matthew 7:22-23 Amplified

I think this passage shows us that we should not use Jesus’ name lightly. People doing works and prophesying in His name will NOT necessarily and automatically get into heaven. This is especially true for those who don’t follow His commandments and act unlawfully. Jesus knows people’s hearts and motives—no matter what they say and do. Actions may speak louder than words, but motives and attitudes direct those actions. Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote….” Isaiah 29:13. Be careful what you say. 

RSVP: Jesus is warning those listening to Him speak…including us…that we need to not use His name lightly. How will you respond to His warning? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, help me to always keep Your commandments…and to use Your name wisely.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Lisa.

May God continue to guide and bless you—

as you seek, serve, and honor Him

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

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

The Will of My Father

Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.  Matthew 7:21 Amplified  

Here it is again…doing the will of My Father. You may be wondering …what is the “will” of God? A lot of people struggle with that. The “will of God” or “will of My Father” is used 29 times in the NASB version of the Bible. Here are a few:

-     For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day. John 6:40

-     And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

-     For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

-     For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ... For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4,7

So to be in God’s will we need to be repentant and accept Jesus as the Son of God—as our Savior—and to maintain a pure life—sanctified. God expects holiness. 

Will you call out “Lord, Lord” and expect to get into heaven? Expect—but not make it in. How disappointing that will be. Jesus won’t know you unless you know Him. So Jesus says…Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46. Doing what Jesus says is the same as doing the will of God the Father. Jesus listens so closely to His Father—our Father—that He says just what the Father says. Repent, accept, live a holy life.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to follow Him—to live a life pleasing to His Father. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus—I hear that Heaven is a wonderful place and I look forward to having a banquet there with You. I want to do just what You say…and live a life pleasing to You…and to our Heavenly Father—to do His will. Guide my heart, mind and thoughts—continue to sanctify me that I would live a life of holiness unto the Lord. 

Now may You, our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord, direct our way; and may You, Lord, cause us to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for You; so that You may establish our hearts without blame in holiness before You, our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13.  

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What’s for supper? How many times a day or a week do you hear this?

Menu planning is the key to less stress and better budget control. You only buy what you need…and with no waste you’ll save money.  

Years ago when I took a Chinese cooking class I learned that every meal should have a crunchy, a soft, a spicy and a bland component. Consider dishes that meet nutritional needs, dishes that you enjoy preparing and your family’s favorites.  Start planning for the next seven days.

1.      Check ads to see what is on sale and use those as the basic items for evening meals. Plan your menu using variety: Slow cooker, grill, stir-fry, soup, ethnic, pasta, casserole, salad, quick and easy, pizza, left-overs, and new dish. Check recipes to see that you have all the ingredients necessary—either on your list or on your pantry shelf.

2.      Shop—and be flexible if you find better bargains than were listed in the ads. Use seasonal items. Be sure to pick up staples that you have on your shopping list.

3.      Put food away when you get home. Do your final menu plan considering the items you bought when you shopped and your family’s schedule, i.e. sports practices or games, church events or weekly Bible studies.

4.      Post your menu on your refrigerator so that everyone knows “What’s for Supper.”

5.      As the week progresses, cook up things that can be planned ahead—especially things that can be used for two meals, like roasted chicken and then chicken enchiladas or chicken salad.

6.      Focus on quick and easy meals for the days when you are extra busy.

7.      Once a week use a new recipe…and if it is a hit with your family then add it to your favorites list.

8.      Happy menu planning…and eating!

Happy Okinawa B-day, Lisa-Chan.

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

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

Healthy Trees Bear Good Fruit

A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration]. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:18-20 Amplified

This is the harvest time of the year and we’ve seen several semi-trucks of apples being hauled down the highway on their way to the apple storage or processing plants nearby. The orchard trees are laden with fruit and we’ve already picked the apples on the tree in our backyard. Nothing like good fresh fruit, but it does take some work to get perfect fruit. Everyone just takes for granted that those apples in the store—perfect and shiny are how all the apples on the trees look. Not so. The trees have to be healthy to produce good blossoms and then develop into good fruit. It takes some effort on the part of the orchardist to protect the blossoms from freezing, then thinning and culling out the small apples as they begin to grow, and then pest management so that they aren’t eaten up by bugs. A lot of prayer helps to so that the fruit isn’t damaged by wind or heavy rain. The orchardist cuts down the trees that are diseased or don’t produce fruit. He can’t afford to have a rotten tree jeopardize his whole orchard. His orchard is known by the quality of the fruit that is produced there. That’s just as it is in God’s kingdom. People are known by the quality of their fruit—the productivity in their lives. Are you productively working for the Lord?  

RSVP: Jesus is warning us that people are known by their fruits—their efforts for the Lord. How will you respond to His call today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You have led us to a life of productivity for You. Help us to produce good fruit for You, encouraging others to seek and serve You.

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

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

What Kind of Fruit Do You Bear?

You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit. Matthew 7:16-17 Amplified 

Fruit. What does it mean to bear fruit? Bearing fruit is what we do…is it pleasing to God? That is what He wants us to do.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. ... My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. John 15:2, 8. In John 15:7, Jesus talks about asking in prayer for what we want. So if we want to be fruitful—we need to ask. If we want to bring others to an understanding of who Jesus Christ is…then we need to ask. In doing that we bear fruit. We can expect to be pruned…so that we are more pleasing to God and so that we can draw more people to Christ. That is what our life—or spiritual life—is all about. We need to tell others about God, about Christ, about the Holy Spirit, and about their love for us. Bear fruit and glorify our Heavenly Father. Not only be Jesus’ disciple, but bring others to Him so that they can be His disciples. That’s bearing fruit.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to be a healthy tree and bear food fruit. Will you make that choice today as you respond to His invitation? 

Prayer ~ Thank you Jesus for Your love and for Your guidance in our lives that we would seek to be fruitful, bearing good fruit that is pleasing to You and to our Heavenly Father. 

Thank you to those who prayed after my September 26^th blog post. A miracle did happen! The ultrasound of our grandchild who is to be born in February showed a cyst on the brain and possible heart abnormalities. Several days later after much prayer—during a visit to a pre-natal specialist an ultrasound showed NO CYST and a normal heart. Praise the Lord! He is merciful and powerful!

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

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

Don’t Trust Wolves Who Look Like Sheep

Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. Matthew 7:15 Amplified 

False prophets were around during Jesus’ time…and they are here now.

o   When His disciples ask about the end times, Jesus told them…Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. ... Matthew 24:11 and …For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24

o   Peter wrote to Christians dispersed throughout the known world…But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Peter 2:1

Wolves aren’t to be trusted—nor are sheep that are really wolves in disguise. False prophets aren’t to be trusted. Their silver tongues speak words that sound good, true and excellent—but beware of those smooth talkers. Test anything prophetic against the Word of God. Does it match up with the Truth? 

RSVP: Jesus is telling us to beware of false prophets. Will you listen and respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, … false prophets also will arise among us, just as there will also be false teachers among us, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying You as the Master who bought us, bringing swift destruction upon themselves…from 2 Peter 2:1. Open our eyes to see Your Truth and to identify false prophets in our midst. We give you the praise, honor and the glory—for You are the Truth, the Way and the Life.

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

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

Wide or Narrow?

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it.  But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 Amplified 

Destruction is an easy way—anyone can find it—or come upon it by chance. Just meander down a wide street. The narrow way is not easy to find…look for it—seek to find it. It mostly likely will not happen just by chance. God will draw you to Himself, but will you be willing to seek Him and His straight, pure and holy way? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to seek the narrow gate and walk into His straight path. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank you for showing me the narrow way…the path that leads to life. Continue to guide me that I may show others the pathway to the narrow gate and the truth of Your way and Your love.

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

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

The Golden Rule Rules

So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 Amplified 

Treat others the way you want them to treat you. The Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Be holy, like God is holy. When we have holiness in our life…we will treat others in a holy manner…just like we would treat God. That would make life golden—pure and ideal. We can only hope for something so wonderful. How have you been treating others lately…how have they treated you?  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you treat others as the way you want to treat others. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~  Jesus, help me to treat others the way You would treat them.

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

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

 

Toss Me a Snake?

Or what man is there of you, if his son asks him for a loaf of bread, will hand him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will hand him a serpent?  If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him! Matthew 7:9-11 Amplified 

Hey, Dad may I have some bread and fish, please? Toss him a rock and a snake –eek! Especially horrible if it is a viper snake, like a rattlesnake. We have that type of snakes here in the Pacific Northwest…but they are to be avoided so as not to be bitten. The young ones in the spring are the most dangerous since they cannot control the amount of deadly venom that they pump into their victim. No father would give one of those snakes to his child.  

The perfect, holy and pure Heavenly Father loves us more than we can comprehend and will give us whatever we ask for, as we keep on asking. Father, will you give us some bread and fish? Will You answer our unspoken prayers?   

RSVP: Jesus is reminding us to keep on asking our Heavenly Father for whatever it is that we need. Will you respond to His invitation today?

Prayer ~ Dear Heavenly Father, I admit that I have an evil nature. Purify my heart, soul and mind that I may be more holy like You. I will give my children and grandchildren a good gift by teaching them about You and Your Holiness.

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

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

 

 

Persistent Prayer

Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.  For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.  Matthew 7:7-8 Amplified

Persistent prayer…but not repetitious. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:7-8. We’re supposed to be persistent…but not meaningless repetition. Something happened that needs prayer—so I have an unspoken prayer request of you. God knows what we need. We just have to trust. Trust God. That didn’t seem so hard last week…but today I just want a miracle—a healing touch in this situation. Trust God. Pray persistently. Trust God. I’m asking, seeking, and knocking…and trusting. How about you?  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to pray persistently. Ask and you’ll receive; seek and you’ll find; knock and the door will be opened. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I come before You humbly seeking Your grace and healing in this situation. You know all about it—even before I ask. Thank you for hearing my prayer.   

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

This recipe came highly recommended. It is also a good use of seasonal vegetables. Enjoy. 

Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup         Serves: 6

1 lb ground beef

1/2 medium onion, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 green pepper, diced

2 garlic cloves, chopped

2 cups or 1 (16 ounce) can diced, crushed or stewed tomatoes
2 cups water or 2 cups broth
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
salt and pepper

rice ~ 2 cups or more of cooked rice

Brown ground beef until fully cooked. Drain fat from beef and set aside, do not discard the fat. Saute the vegetables and herbs in the same pan. Add water or broth, ground beef and rendered fat, let simmer for at least 15 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. The longer this soup simmers the better the flavor. Stir in desired amount of rice.  

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

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

Would Pigs Wear Pearls?

Do not give that which is holy (the sacred thing) to the dogs, and do not throw your pearls before hogs, lest they trample upon them with their feet and turn and tear you in pieces. Matthew 7:6 Amplified 

It is a comical vision—pigs wearing pearls. Swine were detestable to the Jews to whom Jesus was speaking. Moses had been given instruction on permissible and forbidden foods. … and the pig, for though it divides the hoof, thus making a split hoof, it does not chew cud, it is unclean to you. Leviticus 11:7.  So the Jews still do not eat pork. Pigs can be mean animals. I raised a couple of pigs as a 4-H project when I was a teenager…they were cute when they were little and although they knew me and looked forward to seeing me bring them food every day, as they got older and bigger, they were a little intimidating. I certainly wouldn’t throw pearls to them…they only looked for food…and more food. Tasty grain was their favorite. Nothing beautiful or sacred about that. We need to be careful about how we treat holy things. That would include our attitude and actions. Do you cast a bad attitude or seek out unholy places? Don’t let your attitude go to the dogs.   

RSVP: Jesus is calling us to treat holy things in a holy way…including our own attitudes. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, help me to live up to Your holy standards…and to seek to please You in all my thoughts, words and actions.

Happy 5^th Birthday,

Liberty!

Love and Hugs

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

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

Take the Log Out of Your Eye

Do not judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you. Why do you stare from without at the very small particle that is in your brother’s eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam of timber that is in your own eye?  Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam of timber in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother’s eye.  Matthew 7:1-5 Amplified 

Some translations use “log” instead of “beam”…but whatever—get your act together before you try to tell someone else what to do. I grew up hearing people in our community criticized…for not paying their bills, for not raising their kids right or treating their neighbors kindly, or…whatever. Judgmental attitudes. Years ago I did puppet skits at a church we went to and one of my favorites was a sketch where the father is reading a newspaper and criticizing someone. When he puts the paper down it shows that he had a huge log sticking out of his eye. Get the log out of your eye…get your act together…straighten up and follow God’s way before you try to take a speck out of someone else’s eye to set them straight and encourage them in the Lord’s way. Can you see a speck or a log in your own eye?  

RSVP: Jesus is challenging us today to look at our own attitudes and actions. Are we judging, criticizing or condemning others? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, we may feel like we love You more than others…and be critical of them—like my five year old grandson—but we need to get the log out of our eye and see ourselves as You see us. Forgive us for our critical spirit. Create within us a clean heart, soul and eye that we may live in such a way that pleases and honors You. 

This is blog post #1,000. One thousand consecutive days of sitting at a Banquet With The King.

May God bless you as you read this blog…

and as you seek and serve our Lord and risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

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

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

Look for—Seek God’s Kingdom First Everyday

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear?  For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.  So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.  Matthew 6:31-34 Amplified 

Again…don’t worry. Seek God and His Kingdom and He will provide what you need…food, drink and clothes. His Kingdom is the royal power and dignity that belongs to God…a spiritual empire or dominion. In Romans Paul writes about food and righteousness.

I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:14-19.

Seek and ask God for that righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit in your own life…and Jesus promises that God will give you not only that, but the material things you need as well. It is hard to understand why we don’t always immediately get what we ask for…why there are troubles…why some people struggle more than others…and why some prayers seem to go unanswered, but for now all we can do is trust that God hears our prayer—He knows them before we pray. Don’t worry…just trust and obey. Can you do that?  

RSVP: Jesus is reminding us that we don’t need to worry about the physical things of life—it is the spiritual things that matter. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, cover me, my family, friends, and neighbors with Your righteousness, peace and joy—that we may be filled to overflowing and encourage others to seek You first in their lives.

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

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