Be Like a Tree Planted by the Water

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3

I memorized Psalm 1 in my Confirmation Class when I was in about the seventh grade. Of course it was in the King James Version at that time.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,

nor standeth in the way of sinners,

nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither;

and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

When my husband and I visited Israel I met a wonder artist in Safed, one of the four Holy Cities of Israel. She had painted a tree by a river that produced fruit in its season, just as described in Psalm 1. As mother of five children she said that each child produces different fruit…has different gifts. So true about our own children. This painting now hangs by my front door reminding me of the blessing of the person who walks with the righteous…those who are seeking God. Who your friends are is very important. We will be like those with whom we associate—so encourage your children to choose their friends wisely.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, thank you for the lesson that we need to meditate on Your word day and night, be careful with whom we associate so that we are not following the advice of wicked people, standing around with sinners or carousing with those who mock You or other Christians. We want to be fruitful—spreading Your love to others and never giving up. Please continue to bless us with wisdom and guide each who read Your word daily and walk in Your way.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Getting Wisdom Is The Wisest Thing You Can Do!

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown. My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won't be held back; when you run, you won't stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. Proverbs 4:7-13

Wisdom and good judgment go hand-in-hand. Hopefully you’ll have them and go securely down a straight paths. No falling down—no bruises, cuts or scrapes. Just sure feet, led by wisdom and good instructions.  

Prayer ~ Lord, teach me the ways of wisdom. Lock that wisdom up in my heart…and keep it close-by with good instructions. You hold the keys…the keys to my heart.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is getting cooler outside. Soup time. Here’s one of my all-time favorite fall recipes that uses a squash from my garden and some sweet juicy apples.

Apple Butternut Squash Soup    6-8 servings

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 medium leeks, white part only, diced

1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and chopped (can substitute sweet pumpkin)

4 golden or Jonathan apples, peeled, cored, and chopped, plus 1 apple, thinly sliced and tossed in lemon juice, for garnish (optional)

2 teaspoons coarse salt

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups homemade chicken or vegetable stock

2 1/2 cups water, plus more if needed

Toasted pecans, for garnish (optional)

Sour cream, for garnish (optional)

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add leeks; cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft, about 4 minutes. Add squash, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 10 minutes. Add apples, salt, cumin, coriander, ginger, cayenne, black pepper, stock, and the water (just enough to cover). Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, and cook until squash and apples are very soft, about 30 minutes.

Puree in batches in a food processor or blender until smooth, and return to saucepan. Heat over low, thinning with more water if necessary. To serve, ladle into shallow bowls; garnish with sliced apples, toasted pecans, and sour cream if desired.

This soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to a month; let cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving (thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator).

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Are You Following a Wide or Narrow Path?

But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. Romans 16:19

Paul is writing to the church at Rome and is commending those who were obeying the Lord’s teachings. There were some others in that church that were stirring up trouble, causing dissensions and hindrances (Romans 16:17) and Paul warned the obedient Christians to turn away from them. He is pleased with those who were obedient—rejoicing over them. He advised them to be wise in doing right. Solomon also wrote about being wise and doing right.

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:19.  

Keep your heart on the right course…likely means on the straight and narrow course, choosing the right way to go that is along a narrow path.  As Jesus taught…

You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14.

Solomon gave us more wisdom in seeking to do what is right.

Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right…. Ecclesiastes 8:5

Finding time to do what is right? Everyone has the same amount of time…it is just how we use that time that makes a difference. Are you always late to meetings and appointments? Is that doing what is right…and respectful to those with whom you are meeting?

Are you looking for the straight and narrow path…or are you being led or wandering down a wide highway, with a big gate that lets anyone in?

I hope to hear that you are obedient to the Lord. That would make me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I want to live to please You, following a straight path through a narrow gateway to life. Eternal life with You. I hope that there will be lots of people who chose to obey You, too. Each of us has to make our own choice. Guide us that we will chose wisely.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Don’t Make Me Ashamed

If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness. Proverbs 20:20

More Wise Flo Advice: Flo’s brother and sister-in-law always told their three sons “Stop and Think. Don’t make us as parents ashamed of you…ashamed of your actions.” Those three young men have grown up to be caring and responsible adults. Now as their parents have reached the elder age, the sons are taking care of their parents in very concrete ways like painting their home and doing the household repairs that Dad can no longer do by himself. Those young men have always been polite and a joy to Aunt Flo.

I would like to think that I never made my parents ashamed of me…but my Mom did tell me once that I was their “challenging” child. I had friends who challenged me to smoke a cigarette at 16.

I smoked it…right in front of my parents trying to be accepted by those friends and to defy my parents. I didn’t take up smoking, though I did try a few more cigarettes I never did smoke a whole pack. So much for being a rebellious child.

Being the second daughter, when my parents were expecting a son, I was always trying to live up to something I wasn’t. I wasn’t the person they wanted…although they got two sons later. There was constantly an underlying competition because I wasn’t as smart, talented or as beautiful as my older sister, although we were still friends. We had to be friends since the nearest other kids to play with were almost a mile away. The competition for the best grades in school made me study hard. I wanted to be the best so that my parents would approve of me…so I wouldn’t be an embarrassment to them. They were pretty proud of me when they came to see me get my Master’s Degree. I guess that I finally made it in their eyes. I was not snuffed out in total darkness—in fact I think I was glowing…and so were they. Jesus is the light of my life and without His encouragement I would not have gone to college or even be writing this blog. May you also find encouragement through a relationship with Jesus in your life.

Prayer ~ Jesus, help my family, friend, neighbors and all those we with whom we come in contact feel Your love and encouraging acceptance. Everyone needs love. Everyone needs to be accepted within their family and in a circle of friends. Thank you for loving each of us so much that You are creating a home for us there in Heaven…and that we can each have a relationship with You here and now, no matter where we are.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Yom Kippur

Be careful to celebrate the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of that same month—nine days after the Festival of Trumpets. You must observe it as an official day for holy assembly, a day to deny yourselves and present special gifts to the Lord. Do no work during that entire day because it is the Day of Atonement, when offerings of purification are made for you, making you right with the LORD your God. All who do not deny themselves that day will be cut off from God's people. Leviticus 23:27-29

Atonement is reconciliation, to make amends, appease, cancel, cleanse, pardon, to be merciful, or to set things right. Jesus atoned for our sins with His blood on the cross.

The place of the atonement during Moses time was in the Holy of Holies, the cover of the Ark of the Covenant.  The LORD said to Moses, "Warn your brother, Aaron, not to enter the Most Holy Place behind the inner curtain whenever he chooses; if he does, he will die. For the Ark's cover--the place of atonement--is there, and I myself am present in the cloud above the atonement cover.” Leviticus 16:2.

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Daniel 9:24 KJV

The Jews were told to observe that Day of Atonement, and they still are observing that holy day. Yet Christians have atonement in a different way…through Jesus, through His blood, and the forgiveness that is offered to all people everywhere who believe in Jesus as God’s Son. Every day is the Day of Atonement for those who believe. The place for that atonement is the heart of each believer. Even David sought to set things right with God. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NASB.

So where do you stand with the Lord in the matter of atonement? Is your heart clean?

Prayer ~ Lord, create in us a clean heart and renew our relationship that all we do would honor and please You, today and always.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Be Happy and Enjoy Ourselves

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

Be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. What wise advice Solomon gave us all. Life goes by so quickly…enjoy it. Enjoy life and see many happy days…1 Peter 3:10. Happiness. Where can it be found?    

                                                                                                                

Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Psalm 119:33-35.

 Happiness is found in the Lord. Be content.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me--everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:8-13.

Can you do all things through Christ who gives you strength? Can you be happy and enjoy life? Seek God first and obey His commands. That’s what we learn from His Word.

Prayer ~ Lord, this is the day that You have made—may we all rejoice and be glad in it. You have made everything beautiful for its own time. What a gift You have given us. Happy Day—happiness every day in the Your love.

Happy Birthday, Mary Ellen

May our Lord and Savior continue to bless and guide you

as you seek and serve Him.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

The Eyes and Ears of the Lord Are On You

For the Scriptures say, "If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:10-12

Israel tree depicting crucifixion

Peter was quoting scripture written in Psalm 34:12-14. It is a wise person who seeks the Lord…and keeps their tongue and does good things. Solomon had good advice…Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23.

Staying out of trouble is a good plan. No one can stand before God without being pure—sinless. The best “plan” begins with God’s plan. God the Father in His wisdom allowed His Son, Jesus, to be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of mankind…for each of us throughout all of history. The key to God’s plan is people involvement—seeking to get right with God. Building a relationship with God. That relationship depends on repentance from sin and accepting what Jesus did…dying on the cross. There is the beginning of a relationship with God—in fact it makes a person part of God’s family. (Romans 8:15) Then a person can really enjoy life and see many happy days. Just doing good and being good won’t build the relationship with God. There has to be repentance, turning to God and allowing the blood of Jesus to wash away the sin of the heart. Amazingly when a person becomes a child of God very often the tongue becomes obedient. That will make eyes and the ears of the Lord rejoice. That will make anyone enjoy life and see many happy days.

Is the face of the Lord turned towards you…His eyes and ears open to you?      

Prayer ~ Lord God, I come before You—humble and repentant. You are my Savior and Redeemer. I am honored to be part of your family, God. Please guide my family, friends and neighbors to seek You daily. Give us all the wisdom and grace to control our tongues and to please you…that we would enjoy life and see many happy days.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Happily Embrace Wisdom

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:18

Abraham Lincoln. A humble man who fought for equality and justice. He is known as one of the greatest presidents ever in the history of the United States. Just about everyone has heard of the wise advice of Abraham Lincoln.    

Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be. Abraham Lincoln                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Hang on tight to that wisdom. Solomon gave us that wise advice...and more.

…a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

Gentle words are a tree of life…. Proverbs 15:4 NLT

Are you happy? Do you choose to be happy? We choose every day how we feel…how we act and how we react to others. President Lincoln had good advice…make up your mind. Choose. Maybe putting a smile on your face is a good place to start. I know it makes a difference for me. When I smile it begins to melt the gloomies away. It’s all about attitude.

ATTITUDE by Charles Swindoll

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes.

We are in charge of our own attitudes…we have the choice. One attitude quality is that happiness element. We choose…we make up our mind.

What are you choosing today? Are you wisely embracing happiness?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I choose happiness today. Help me to help others choose—to embrace—happiness.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

ll scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Use Your Knowledge

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.  Proverbs 9:10

Since I started writing this blog this year with a focus on wisdom, I’m always seeking wise words of guidance. Recently a very perceptive Christian who is the wife of a cousin gave me her “wise” advice. “Wisdom is putting knowledge to use.” I think that is about how Linda put it.

That advice provided good insight. What good is knowledge if we don’t put it to use? God has blessed us with an abundance of information—spiritual and temporal knowledge. Putting that knowledge to use requires an understanding—good judgment so that it can be appropriately applied in a wise and useful manner. “Fear” or respect for the Lord is the key. We all need that divine reverence for God. He loves us—we need to love Him. How do you show Him your love and respect? Do you use the knowledge and wisdom that He gives you?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, I respect You for all that You have done for me, for my family, friends, neighbors and literally the world. May the way that I treat others show respect not only to them…but to You, for You are the creator of all things. May I be a loving example to others the way that Linda’s mother-in-law, Frieda, was to others. Kind, generous, patient, considerate, accepting and loving…just like You, Jesus.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

It is still time to harvest another zucchini from the garden.

Zucchini Brownies  

Adapted from Frieda’s recipe in the Warden Community Church Centennial Celebration Cookbook

1¼ c. shortening, butter or vegetable oil

¾ c. dark cocoa powder

1½ c. sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1 c. grated zucchini (about 1 medium)

2 c. flour

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 c. walnuts or pecans chopped

1 c.  raisins or dates, chopped (opt)

1 can cream cheese or chocolate frosting

Heat shortening and cocoa powder together. Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and zucchini. Add flour, baking powder, salt, nuts and raisins. Spread in a greased 10 x 15 pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 25-30 minutes. Cool and frost.

[Note: I substituted ¼ cup butter or oil and the dark cocoa powder for 4 oz. of unsweetened chocolate squares.]

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Mother Knows Best

To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child. Proverbs 29:15

At ninety years old, my friend Flo has had lots of time to store up wisdom. Her most favorite wise advice came through her relationship with her Mother, who spent considerable effort training and disciplining Flo with love. Mother Knows Best. Her Mother taught her right from wrong, explaining proper, good behavior. Flo would think about her actions based on her Mother’s teachings and sometimes she admits now that she had to say, “Mom, I’m sorry for not following your teachings.” Mom always knew what was best.

We are all born with a conscience that knows the difference between right and wrong, but it is still a moral dilemma in making that choice. Making the right choice is a matter of obedience that honors the training that a child receives. If there is no training can the child self-discipline using other examples from their lives? I have seen that happen in one remarkably good teenager.

Shoes of a 91 year old who lived to honor others.

Can you walk a mile in those shoes?

The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. Psalm 37:30. Training a child is a form of discipline. Train up your child… Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:6. Directing and training is just what Flo’s Mother did to teach her right from wrong. What are parents doing today?

Good training like Flo received resulted in her honoring her Mother…and God. Flo’s reward so far for her respectful honor is to have lived a long and happy life. One of God’s greatest commands, in the Ten Commandments, is…Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12.

Prayer ~ Lord, may we please You in the way that we have honored and continue to honor our parents. Mama knew what was best when we were small…and we’ve lived to raise our children and grandchildren to know right from wrong and honor You in all that they think, say and do.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Obey or Suffer from Disobedience

The anger of the LORD will not diminish until it has finished all He has planned. In the days to come you will understand all this very clearly. Jeremiah 23:20

The anger of the Lord.

Moses relayed God’s message to the Hebrew people before they entered the Promised Land. He is a great and awesome God and He had a plan for the Israelites. No other gods before Him—worship Him alone. No one should want to be on the wrong side of the Lord.

When the LORD your God hands these nations (the nations occupying the Promised Land) over to you and you conquer them, you must completely destroy them. Make no treaties with them and show them no mercy. You must not intermarry with them. Do not let your daughters and sons marry their sons and daughters, for they will lead your children away from me to worship other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will quickly destroy you. ... But He does not hesitate to punish and destroy those who reject him. Therefore, you must obey all these commands, decrees, and regulations I am giving you today. If you listen to these regulations and faithfully obey them, the LORD your God will keep his covenant of unfailing love with you, as he promised with an oath to your ancestors. ...No, do not be afraid of those nations, for the LORD your God is among you, and He is a great and awesome God. Deuteronomy 7:2-4, 10-12, 21.

Again and again throughout the Old Testament, God struck people down for their disobedience, frequently for their idol worship.

This happened because of all the sins Baasha and his son Elah had committed, and because of the sins they led Israel to commit. They provoked the anger of the LORD, the God of Israel, with their worthless idols. 1 Kings 16:13

He gave them fair warning—quick destruction for disobedience. Did they not understand? Are we guilty of the same thing? What are the idols that ahead of or in place of our worship of God?

The righteous anger of God is nothing to mess with. He has a plan. Listen and obey.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, open our eyes to any idols that we may have in our lives. May we wisely take our eyes off those things that would keep us from obeying Your commands. Bless us with Your unfailing love.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Celebrate Joy

Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

What wise advice Paul used in closing this letter to the church at Corinth.

Be joyful. Let the Holy Spirit fill you with His joy—and spread that joy—that happiness to others. A happy face makes others happy. A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13.

Grow to maturity. What does it mean to “mature”? How about…become complete or to be perfect…or to be what one should be? That’s how I see it that God wants us to grow—to be like His Son, Jesus.

Jesus told a parable about seeds being sown. Those that fell into the thorns didn’t mature, whereas the seeds that fell into the good soil, matured and produced a good crop. The good soil is how our hearts need to be so that we can be useful to the Lord—productive.

The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:14-15.

Encourage each other. You want to be inspired, refreshed, revived or cheered—then do the same for others. Just like Jesus’ teaching of the Golden Rule: Do to others as you would like them to do to you. (He continues) If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! Luke 6:31-33.

Paul wrote that he wanted encouragement…and to encourage others. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. Romans 1:12.

The author of Hebrews also admonished his readers not to neglect getting together with other Christians. That’s important. How can we learn from each other or encourage each other if we don’t spend time together?

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25. Are you encouraged by others…and are you inspiring others?

Live in harmony and peace. There is so much strife in this world. Don’t listen to the news or watch it on TV if you don’t want to hear about violence. When was the last time you experienced peace?

I went out for a short kayak trip on the Columbia River late Sunday afternoon. It was wonderful. A truly peaceful time—I sang softly about the sweet, sweet spirit in that place. Sometimes we need to draw ourselves away from others for even just a few minutes to experience God’s peace—to find His harmony within our lives. Surrendering our agendas, our preconceived ideas about how our lives should be and yielding to His will and allow Him to guide and direct us. May our lives grow towards maturity, being filled with His joy, encouraging others, and living in harmony and peace with ourselves…and every one.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, please give me grace to follow Your path, to become like You as I spiritually mature, to encourage and be encouraged by those around me...and to live in harmony and peace.

Happy Birthday to our sweet Lisa.

Love and Blessings on you.

This is my beloved daughter, in whom I am well pleased!

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Encourage Each Other

For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Encourage each other. Wise advice. Jesus spoke similar way to His disciples on the Mount of Olives as recorded in Matthew 24 when they asked Him about the end of the age and signs of His return.

For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near. Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather His chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Matthew 24:27-31

Are these words encouraging to you? Exciting that we will hear a trumpet blasting a call to us. A bit scary knowing that there will be anguish and darkness—but Jesus is light. He gives us hope. A hope that He has prepared for us—not just a home in heaven someday when the angels gather us together—but this hope that we belonging to His spiritual family now. Now or in the future—He still cares about us and gives us wise advice:

So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42.

Live like Jesus is coming back today. Live with the hope and the realization of His presence in your life right now.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as His adopted children, including the new bodies He has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:23-25.

Encourage each other with the hope of each day—with the love of the Lord. How are you going to do that today?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—we don’t know that hour or the day that You will return—only God the Father knows that (Matthew 24:36)—but we rejoice in the hope that we have that whether we are alive or in the grave when You return—we will join You in the air. We praise You for You alone are worthy of our praise.

Happy Okinawan Birthday – Lisachan.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Rosh Hashanah Begins Tonight

Celebrate the Festival of Trumpets each year on the first day of the appointed month in early autumn. You must call an official day for holy assembly, and you may do no ordinary work. Numbers 29:1

The first day of the seventh month. This day in the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar occurred in September or October. This festival is celebrated today as Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. (From the Blue Letter Bible) 

This year Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on October 2^nd and ends at nightfall on October 4^th. This is the day that the Lord has made—let us rejoice and blow our trumpet or shofar.

The holiday was originally ordered by God through Moses. Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. On the first day of the appointed month in early autumn, you are to observe a day of complete rest. It will be an official day for holy assembly, a day commemorated with loud blasts of a trumpet. Leviticus 23:24.

This day celebrates the beginning of the Jewish year and commemorates the creation of Adam and Eve. Interestingly a favorite food that is eaten at this time is apples dipped in honey. Apples for Adam and Eve—how appropriate. A sweet new start.

It is the beginning of a time of reflection. A meditative day of rest. Note that God instructs the Hebrew people to have a day of complete rest. While resting…consider how you’ve done in pleasing God this past year? What will you do—how will you live—in the coming year to serve God and please Him? The Jewish festival of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will be celebrated in ten days, according to God’s Word.

Be careful to celebrate the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of that same month--nine days after the Festival of Trumpets. You must observe it as an official day for holy assembly, a day to deny yourselves and present special gifts to the LORD. Do no work during that entire day because it is the Day of Atonement, when offerings of purification are made for you, making you right with the LORD your God. All who do not deny themselves that day will be cut off from God's people. And I will destroy anyone among you who does any work on that day. You must not do any work at all! This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation wherever you live. This will be a Sabbath day of complete rest for you, and on that day you must deny yourselves. This day of rest will begin at sundown on the ninth day of the month and extend until sundown on the tenth day. Leviticus 23:27-32

So how will you celebrate this day of Rosh Hashanah? Begin with an apple dipped in honey—and reflect on what God has done for you. Give thanks to Him to Jesus—for what our Lord and Savior has done.

Prayer ~ Lord God, as I hear your trumpet sound, I know that You are fulfilling Your commands and promises day by day. May I continue to find Your peace.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

A Rod or Gentle Spirit?

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God's power. Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit? 1 Corinthians 4:20-21

Some people are just a lot of talk—hot air. Maybe their words are meant to be encouraging—maybe they are just thinking out loud? But if their words are hurtful or harmful, you don’t have to take them to heart. Choose wisely with whom you associate. Encourage your children to choose good friends—who are not abusive. Can you encourage your children not to be abusive—with their words or actions? Using a gentle spirit instead of your hand or switch is a good way to start. Our choices influence our children and grandchildren. Jesus teaching about how we treat others still applies today.

For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. Matthew 7:2. How do you want to be treated?

How do you treat others? Like a prickly cactus...or a sweet apple blossom, producing good fruit? 

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. - Proverbs 15:1

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. - Proverbs 15:4

Only a fool despises a parent's discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. - Proverbs 15:5

The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give. - Proverbs 15:7

The 1 Corinthians scripture passage was originally written by Paul to the people in the church at Corinth—but it still applies to us today. Can we apply it in our homes and lives? Can we live by God’s power…choosing love and a gentle spirit?  Abuse begins with choices. Choose kindness, not abuse.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, fill our hearts and thoughts with kind words and actions. Help us to treat others as You would treat them, with love and consideration, choosing kindness, not abuse in any form, whether it is a look, a word or a hand raised in anger.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.