The Lord is With You – Within You

For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zephaniah 3:17

On His journey to the Cross…Jesus was thinking about you. With His love—He will calm all your fears. What a great promise! Even the most courageous among us has fear…fear of what others will think—or of unmet expectations. Fear of failure, fear of public speaking, fear of inadequacy or fear of the future…or of death. Tough guys aren’t always so tough. They have some hidden fear that only God knows. God is faithful—and He is living among you. He is in the very hearts of those who love Him. 

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:9-11.

Dogwood blossoms - Reminding us of Jesus' sacrifice

Do you belong to Jesus? If not—seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Ask Him to forgive you from your sin and to be part of your life. Let Him calm all your fears.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Be my vision…I rejoice and sing to You...[words At­trib­ut­ed to Dal­lan For­gaill, 8th Cen­tu­ry in Ireland]

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Daily Bible Reading: March 19 – Deuteronomy 24-27

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Israel—Your Savior is Coming

The LORD has sent this message to every land: "Tell the people of Israel, 'Look, your Savior is coming. See, He brings His reward with Him as He comes.'" Isaiah 62:11

What a great message! It was for Israel first…then for the rest of the world. Your Savior is coming. And who would that be? Jesus Christ. He is the Savior. Angels declared it at His birth.

Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11 NKJV

Then in Samaria, Jesus met a woman at the well…and she, as well as most of the town of Sychar, became believers.

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, "He told me everything I ever did!" When they came out to see Him, they begged Him to stay in their village. So He stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear His message and believe. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves. Now we know that He is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:39-42.

Your Savior is coming. Not all of the Jews who encountered Jesus believed in Him as their Savior. Few of the religious leaders believed. Most of the Jews including the leaders at the Temple were looking for a political leader to free them from the Roman oppression. They were not nearly as “oppressed” as the Jews had been when they were slaves in Egypt, but they wanted freedom—and they didn’t believe that Jesus was their Messiah.

Is it possible that Jesus is your Messiah? Who do you say that He is?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, like the people of Sychar, I believe that You are indeed the Savior of the world. You came to provide salvation to the Jews…and to the Gentiles…to the whole world. I praise You—for You are that true God—the living Messiah—who came to set us free. Thank You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 18 – Deuteronomy 21-23

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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No One Can Snatch You Out of God’s Hand

"But you are my witnesses, O Israel!" says the LORD. "You are my servant. You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God. There is no other God--there never has been, and there never will be. I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no other Savior. First I predicted your rescue, then I saved you and proclaimed it to the world. No foreign god has ever done this. You are witnesses that I am the only God," says the LORD. "From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done." Isaiah 43:10-13

There is no other God like our God. He is the only God. I was reminded today that Jesus called God the Father, “Father.” We can only call God “Father” if Jesus is our Savior. Jesus said…

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Paul wrote to the church at Rome about being adopted into God’s family.

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15

Adopted. Adopted by the greatest Dad—The Abba Father! It’s been said that people visualize God in a way that speaks to them. My Great-grandfather was an Irishman with flaming red hair when he was young that gave way to a stunning head of snow-white hair with pink streaks when he was in his late eighties and I knew him. That was long before pink hair was some kind of fashion statement. Do I visualize God as my Great-grandfather…an Abba Father? Would we be eating Corned Beef and cabbage together today?

However you visualize God—may He bless you and hold you close today. Like Jesus wanted to gather the children of Israel…that is how I visualize God.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under [her] wings, but you were not willing! Matthew 23:37 NKJV

No one can snatch you out of God’s hand…if you believe and God is your Father.

Prayer ~ Dear God, bless each of us today as we remember St. Patrick—a shepherd slave who became a Christian believer in Ireland. Like St. Patrick may we continue to seek You, Lord, and be devoted to You in all that we think, say and do.

Daily Bible Reading: March 17 – Deuteronomy 17-20

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

For Saint Patrick’s Day we’ll be gathering for a Traditional Irish Celebration of Corned Beef and Cabbage—with Irish Soda Bread.

Crock-pot Corned Beef

4 large carrots, peeled and cut into matchstick pieces

10 baby red potatoes, quartered

1 onion, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces

5 cups water

1 (4 pound) corned beef brisket, with spices

1 medium sized head of cabbage, chopped, (optional)

Place the carrots, potatoes, and onion into the bottom of a slow cooker, pour in the water, and place the brisket on top of the vegetables. If a spice packet was provided with the meat, sprinkle on the spices. If no spice packet was provided, add a heaping tablespoon of pickling spice. Cover, and set the cooker on Low. Cook for 10-11 hours.

Serve with cooked cabbage—my family enjoys sweet and sour cabbage, so I cook it separately from the corned beef. If preferred, during the last hour or two of simmering the corned beef, you may add a head of cabbage, quartered.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Where is This God of Yours?

But each day the LORD pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life. "O God my rock," I cry, "Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?" Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, "Where is this God of yours?" Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:8-11

Lonesome Tree - Israel

Feel that unfailing love surrounding you. This Psalm was apparently written by a person exiled in the far north of Palestine, who wanted to return to Jerusalem and the Temple there. He was feeling forgotten. Remember how Jesus felt forgotten and forsaken as He hung on the Cross. His journey to the Cross took Him from a time of continually encouraging communication with the Father…to a feeling of rejection on the Cross. His bones were not broken—but in the process of crucifixion the joints of His bones became loose and disjointed. Had He not been dead when the soldiers stuck a spear into His, they would have broken His bones.

Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. John 19:32-34 NKJV.

Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you? Has someone asked you…"Where is this God of yours?" And what was your answer? Are you discouraged or sad? Put your hope in God—praise Him. He is…or wants to be…your Savior and your God. Jesus died on the Cross as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind—but each person has to believe this concept for themselves—to establish a relationship with God.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV

Feel His unfailing love surrounding you…and believe. When you choose to believe, you’ll find this God of yours in what may seem like an unusual place…your heart. If someone asks……"Where is this God of yours?" you’ll have an answer. Your heart.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I give You my heart…give me a new heart, and put a new spirit in me. Take out my stony, stubborn heart and give me a tender, responsive heart as you promised in Ezekiel 36:26. I praise You, Lord, for You are my God and my Savior.

Daily Bible Reading: March 16 – Deuteronomy 14-16

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Climb the Lord’s Mountain and Stand in His Holy Place—Your Heart

Who may climb the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. They will receive the LORD's blessing and have a right relationship with God their savior. Such people may seek you and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Psalm 24:3-6 

Kim and the girls - Climbing Badger Mt.

Who can climb God's mountain?

Those with a pure heart--seeking the Lord.

Only the holy can stand before God—hearts and hands pure.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Psalm 15:1-2.

David knew about purity before God and a right relationship. A really good relationship—open, honest, pure—is exactly what I am striving for with the Lord. The great thing is that He accepts us as we are…but doesn’t want us to stay that way. Holy. Holiness unto the Lord. That is how we must be. We can only attain that holiness because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. His shed blood washes away our impurity—and gives us a pure heart. Worthy to stand before His Throne.

What a great promise He gives us—we will receive the LORD’s blessing and have a right relationship with God—our Savior. Blessing and relationship. That is love…and we know that God loves us. God is Love.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16 NLT

Where do you stand with the Lord? Is His throne in your heart…approachable with holy purity?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are love…and I want to know You even better and be even closer to You than I’ve ever been. Bless me…and all those who seek You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 15 – Deuteronomy 11-13

Happy Birthday, Kim - May you continue to be blessed

by our gracious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as you seek and serve Him!

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Take Up Your Cross?

O LORD, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Save me from the sword; spare my precious life from these dogs. Snatch me from the lion's jaws and from the horns of these wild oxen. Psalm 22:19-21

Jesus on the Cross. This Psalm is continuing to predict Jesus’ feelings as He hung on the Cross. O Lord, keep close—don’t stay far away! He is declaring that the Lord God provides His strength. Imagine the strength that Jesus needed to endure the pain of crucifixion. Save me…. Jesus had prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane…

"Abba, Father," He cried out, "everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Mark 14:36.

Take the cup of suffering away—save me. But He was willing to do God’s will…not His own. So His journey continued, from the Garden to the Cross. His journey. What is our journey? Will we follow Jesus…and take up our cross?

Then, calling the crowd to join His disciples, He said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?" Mark 8:34-37.

Are you…or do you want to be His follower? Or is it possible that you’ll refuse?

"If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me." Matthew 10:38-40.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I’ll take up my cross and follow You…daily.

Daily Bible Reading: March 14 – Deuteronomy 8-10

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Prophesy Fulfilled

My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead. My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on me. They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. My enemies stare at me and gloat. They divide my garments among themselves and throw dice for my clothing. Psalm 22:15-18  

Jesus’ ministry took Him on a journey to the Cross. This passage from Psalm 22 gives us more prophetic details of Jesus crucifixion. Thirsty, weak, feeling abandoned and threatened. Pain—excruciating pain from the nails—in His wrists, hands and feet. His bones were aching as gravity pulled Him down and the nails secured Him to the Cross. Below Him the guards were arguing over His garments—what was going on? It is not like He was wearing expensive clothes. The soldiers gambled to see who would get the robe said to be seamless. This prophesy is fulfilled when Jesus was actually dying on the Cross.

After they had nailed Him to the cross, the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice. Matthew 27:35.

Prophesied. Hundreds of things about Jesus…His birth and His death were foretold. Now read your Bible closely and see if you can understand what is foretold about His second coming. Did you know He will be coming back again—not as a baby, but as a victorious ruler—King of Kings.  

For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 1 Timothy 6:15.

As John wrote in the book of Revelation:

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for He judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns. A name was written on Him that no one understood except Himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and His title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On His robe at His thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords. Revelation 19:11-16.

King of Kings. Lord Jesus. He will reign victorious. Will you be worshipping Him?

Prayer ~Lord God—You have promised that You will reign victorious. We look forward to the day that You will come from Heaven on Your white horse. King of Kings—Lord of Lords. Worthy is the Lamb.

Daily Bible Reading: March 13 – Deuteronomy 5-7

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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No One Else Can Help Me

Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me. My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls; fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in! Like lions they open their jaws against me, roaring and tearing into their prey. My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. Psalm 22:11-14  

Sculpture at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher - Jerusa

When David wrote this Psalm the Romans were not in Palestine…there was not the custom of crucifixion, but this Psalm describes what happened to Jesus when He was crucified on the Cross. During His life, ministry and His journey to the Cross Jesus very likely witnessed Roman crucifixion—it was the common capital punishment of the day. Today it would be cruel and unusual punishment—although it is still legal in some countries like the United Arab Emirates.

So in this Psalm it appears that David was writing a prediction about how Jesus was feeling on the Cross. Imagine hanging there—innocent—and yet bearing the guilt of billions of people. Feeling rejected by His own Father. Pleading with Him…Dad—stay close by. No one else can help me. No one else would go against the Romans or the Pharisees. Only God the Father could help Jesus…could comfort Him and assure Him that everything was going to be OK. Jesus felt abandoned—alone—bruised, beaten and in agony hanging on an old wooden cross between two criminals. I can’t imagine the level of pain He must have felt. Beaten, flogged with a Roman whip that contained nails or bits of metal. That beating was designed to remove skin from the prisoner’s back. A brutal way to die. Our Savior suffered that for us. For you and for me…and for countless others. Jesus paid for our sin. How can “Thank You” be enough?    

Prayer ~ Dear God…No one else can help me. I put my trust in You alone. I know You are close by—because You have promised that You will never leave me or forsake me. Thank You.

Thank You, Father God for giving up Your Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for my sin. I humbly stand before You…unworthy, but knowing that I am forgiven. I praise You Jesus for Your obedience and love. Thank You—Thank You—Thank You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 12 – Deuteronomy 3-4

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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Abandoned?

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Psalm 22:1-3  

Why Have You Abandoned Me?

Crucifix at Holy Family Shrine near Gretna, Nebraska, USA

David wrote Psalm 22 which has been said to prophesy Jesus’ words as He hung on the Cross. Abandoned.

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o'clock. At about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?"  which means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" Matthew 27:45-46.

Have you ever felt abandoned and groaned for God’s help? I have. I was very distressed after my sister and her family were killed in a domestic violence episode back in 1989. My groaning was too deep for words. I felt abandoned by God…and my sister. How could God allow my sister to be taken away…when we were going to grow old together? What kind of a God was He anyway? He’s supposed to be loving. Mom taught us that “God is Love” so how could a loving God allow that to happen? After years of struggling with that I came to accept that God kept His promise to my sister and to me…He will never leave us or forsake us. Not abandoned. He promised….

No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. Joshua 1:5

Jesus said…Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20.

No matter what…God loves us. God is love.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16.

Jesus obediently took that journey to the Cross. Yet hanging there Jesus felt abandoned…but God the Father was with Him. God turned His back on the sin…not on His Son. We just have to trust Him…to keep His promise.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I understand…I know how much You love us. I put my trust in Your love. You are love, and all who live in love, live in You, and You, O my God, live in them. From 1 John 4:16. This is real love—not that we loved You, God, but that You loved us and sent your Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10. Thank You for not abandoning Jesus…or us.

Daily Bible Reading: March 11 – Deuteronomy 1-2

© 2017 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.  www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading.

Jesus, The Rock of My Salvation

The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! 2 Samuel 22:47  

Jesus is the rock of my salvation! Like quartzite, granite, marble or even diamonds—Jesus has strength and character beyond our expectations. He is known as the cornerstone in the foundation of Christianity.

For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' Acts 4:11.

His journey to the Cross led Him to be the sacrifice for the sin of mankind—that sin that Adam and Eve had committed in the Garden of Eden. Disobedience. Death could not keep Him in the grave…He is ALIVE! No other God is like Him. Other gods that people around the world worship may have died…but none of them were resurrected. He LIVES! This may be a time of Lent…of humbly remembering His sacrifice…but the very thought of Jesus Christ’s resurrection brings JOY to my heart. Like David in this passage from 2 Samuel, I just exalt my Lord…Praise Him and Thank Him. Worthy is the Lamb of God! He is my Rock.

Does Jesus’ resurrection bring joy to you?

Prayer ~ Jesus—I rejoice and praise You—for just as You told the woman at the well..."I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying." John 11:25. I believe. Open the eyes and hearts of those who hear of You and are hesitant or just don’t believe. May You provide strength, like a rock, in their lives.

Daily Bible Reading: March 10 – Numbers 35-36

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Recently my older grandson who is ten years old decided that he wanted to be a vegetarian. His Mom said, “Terrific! We’re having Portobello mushrooms for supper. They are a good meat substitute!” He doesn’t like mushrooms—that ended his vegetarianism. Here’s a tasty recipe for this great source of folate, selenium and zinc. Zinc is so important in this time of fighting off colds. Enjoy with brown rice, pasta, or couscous! You can also serve these on a whole grain bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and/or cheese of your choice.

Pan-Seared Portobello Mushrooms for Four

4 large Portobello mushrooms
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 garlic cloves, grated with a microplane grater

2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

4 tablespoons water

Clean mushrooms, trimming stems flush with bottom of caps. Mix oil, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, oregano and water. Pour over mushrooms in a shallow bowl. Marinate for about 30 minutes. Then pour the marinade into a large skillet and heat it until mixture begins to just boil. Add the mushrooms, top side down. Reduce to medium heat, cover and cook 5 minutes. If the pan becomes dry, add 2 to 3 more tablespoons of water. Turn mushrooms and cook second side until tender when pierced with a sharp knife, about 5 minutes. Serve hot—as you wish with rice, fresh spinach leaves, or other options to round out your meal.

Any leftovers can be kept covered in the refrigerator up to three days.

© 2017 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.  www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Perfect Promises

God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock? God is my strong fortress, and He makes my way perfect. 2 Samuel 22:31-33

Only God is perfect…or can make things perfect.

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2.

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17.

God keeps His promises. They are not secrets…but are public and through the ages He continually reminds His people and His followers that He is a promise keeper.

I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right. Isaiah 45:19.

The Lord God keeps His promises—even the one that kept Him on His journey to the Cross.

Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises He made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for His mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: "For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name." Romans 15:8-9.

Do you keep your promises to your family, friends, work associates and neighbors?

Prayer ~ Lord God—You are a God of Your word—You have kept Your promises. Please continue to give me wisdom and insight into You will and Your way for You are my rock. May You make my way perfect—that others would see Jesus shining through my life.  

Daily Bible Reading: March 9 – Numbers 33-34

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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No Darkness in Your Heart

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile. You rescue the humble, but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them. O LORD, you are my lamp. The LORD lights up my darkness. 2 Samuel 22:26-29 

Jesus is the Savior. He is faithful, honest, reliable, upright, pure, dependable, and our guiding light. What more could we ask of a savior? During His three year ministry—His journey to the Cross—He rescued people from sin numerous times. He compassionately healed them and ministered to their needs. What a fine example for us.

Holy Family Crucifix - near Gretna, Nebraska

Are we faithful…to our Lord? Do we live with the upmost of integrity—within our homes, our workplace, any social gathering or public place like the gym, or our church? Don’t sweep that dirt under the rug—no integrity there.

Are you living a pure and holy life before the Lord? Remember your thoughts are the same as your actions to Him. Hold up the love and teaching of the Lord to all around you—let His light shine in and through you. No darkness in your life.

Are you holding onto a dark spot in your heart—a bitterness or disappointment?

No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. Luke 11:33.

Jesus is my Savior—continuing to light up my world. Are you allowing Him to light up your world?

Prayer ~  Lord God, Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105. You are my strength. You made my feet like hinds' feet, and you make me walk on my high places—safely. Habakkuk 3:19 NASB. I praise You, Oh Lord, the light of my heart and my life.

Daily Bible Reading: March 8 – Numbers 31-32

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Don’t Be Deceived

For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not turned from my God to follow evil. I have followed all His regulations; I have never abandoned His decrees. I am blameless before God; I have kept myself from sin. The LORD rewarded me for doing right. He has seen my innocence. 2 Samuel 22:22-25

Evil is from the devil--the great deceiver. He’s an enemy of Jesus and an enemy of ours—but Jesus will defeat him. He actually already has defeated him. After His baptism, Jesus went into the desert for forty days. There the devil tempted Him—but didn’t deceive Him. Be careful…don’t be misled or misinformed—deceived. Whether it is serving an idol…or being taught something that is not Biblical—don’t be taken in by false doctrine.

But be careful. Don't let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the LORD and serve and worship other gods. Deuteronomy 11:16.

When someone is talking about End Times, Rapture and the Day of the Lord—be sure to read your Bible carefully and don’t be deceived. Jesus journey to the Cross took Him to the Cross for your sin and for mine. We are blameless only because of Jesus. His return for His church will be a glorious day for believers.

Now, dear brothers and sisters, let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. Don't be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don't believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us. Don't be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction. He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4.

David had his sins…but he repented and followed God’s ways. He was a good example to us as he sought the Lord God and stood blameless before Him. Can we live lives holy before the Lord? Only in His grace.

Prayer ~ Lord God, may we be like David—seeking Your heart, Your ways and living to please You. Open our eyes that we would not be deceived.

 Praying for Ed & Janine—as Ed undergoes surgery this morning. May his doctors have wisdom and skill to completely remove the cancer with no complications. Give them safe travels back home—as well as others who are there with them.

Daily Bible Reading: March 7 – Numbers 28-30

© 2017 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.  www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Our Lord Delights in You

He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me. He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because He delights in me. The LORD rewarded me for doing right; He restored me because of my innocence. 2 Samuel 22:18-21

Call upon the name of the Lord. Say “Jesus” out loud. There is power in the name of the Lord. Just as He rescued David from his enemies, including Saul, He will rescue you. He delights in you. Doesn’t that make you feel special just to know that someone delights in you? I am so glad to be known by Jesus…to be part of His family. Adopted into God’s family.

So now Jesus and the ones He makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11.

Holy, pure…innocent. Do you see a common theme there? Because of Jesus’ journey to the Cross—His sacrifice—we are seen as holy before our Heavenly Father.

Call upon the name of Jesus.  Just as Paul wrote to the Corinthians…you are holy.

I am writing to God's church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be His own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as He did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. 1 Corinthians 1:2.

In the last few years I’ve learned that there is great power in praying scripture—

and in quoting memorized verses. 

Although I still remember my phone number from when I was a kid, I’ve always struggled with memorizing. With God's help, no one is too old to memorize scripture. We don’t know when we’ll be without our Bibles, so if you have scripture memorized—hidden in your heart—you have a great resources and power.

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11.

As with David, there is a promise…the Lord will reward you for doing right. Memorize His Word—and use it in a prayer to Him.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord…You are my shepherd. You make me to lay down in green pastures, You lead me beside still water—where I am safe. You renew my strength. You guide me along right paths, bringing honor to Your name. Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6 (adapted from NLT). Jesus—You are my Lord. I praise You. Thank You for delighting in me.

Daily Bible Reading: March 6 – Numbers 26-27

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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From Heaven to Earth

The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot arrows and scattered His enemies; His lightning flashed, and they were confused. Then at the command of the LORD, at the blast of His breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. He reached down from heaven and rescued me; He drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me. 2 Samuel 22:14-18

Just like David and the Israelites—the Lord has rescued me. My enemies are His enemies. He has saved me from my sins...even from my bad attitude. Sin—that enemy of all people is what started Jesus down the road to the Cross. He sees our imperfect choices…and loves us anyway. Love so great that He gave up His life…and endured the painful death on the Cross—for us. He came down from Heaven just to rescue us.

What or who are your enemies? When has the Lord rescued you from your enemies?

Prayer ~ Lord God…in my distress I cried out to You; yes, I cried to my God for help. You heard me from Your sanctuary in Heaven; my cry reached Your ears. 2 Samuel 22:7. Thank You, Lord, for rescuing me from my enemies—the greatest of which is myself. Help me to make wise choices—to choose to live in a way that honors You.

Daily Bible Reading: March 5 – Numbers 23-25

© 2017 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.  www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Jesus is My Rock

David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. He sang: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:1-3

A Rock like a Fortress

in the Utah desert

My Savior – that is Jesus. He is my rock—the stable, firm and constantly strong presence in my life. It is in Him that I feel protected and safe. That is just how David expressed his view on his “savior”—although Jesus was not yet born…and was actually part of David’s future family. Because of His journey to the Cross, now Jesus is the Hope of many people. We wait for His return…but we won’t be idle while we wait. Paul gave the church at Thessalonica a very strong direction—almost a reprimand. Don’t be idle or associate with those who are.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don't follow the tradition they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9.

How about you? Do you find hope in Jesus? Hope in His return? Do you have the security, protection and promise that Jesus provides for those who believe in Him?

 Prayer ~ Thank You Jesus for the hope that You give us. Hope in the protection that You provide and hope of a tomorrow with You forever.

Daily Bible Reading: March 4 – Numbers 21-22

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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A Bronze Snake Lifted Up

Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey, and they began to speak against God and Moses. "Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?" they complained. "There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!" So the LORD sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. Then the people came to Moses and cried out, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take away the snakes." So Moses prayed for the people. Then the LORD told him, "Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!" So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed! Numbers 21:4-9

Bronze Cross from Portugal

Grumbling resulted in punishment…snakes! Wasn’t that snake in the Garden of Eden enough? No. The Lord sent poisonous snakes to punish those undeserving, complaining Israelites. But once again, God had a plan. This plan involved a bronze snake on a pole. Anyone who looked at the bronze snake was healed. Sounds similar to when people look to the Cross today—to Jesus’ Cross. They are spiritually healed. Jesus Himself used the example of Moses and the bronze snake when talking to the Pharisee Nicodemus about spiritual birth and eternal life.

And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. John 3:14-15.

Look to the Cross—look to Jesus.

Read that scripture passage in Numbers 21 again. The people realized that they had sinned against the Lord and against Moses. They repented. That is an important part in a relationship with the Lord. Another thing to note is that those who were obedient to the Lord’s saving instructions—look at the bronze snake—were healed.

Look to the Cross—look to Jesus and believe in Him. You will have eternal life.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank you for being lifted up the Cross as a sacrifice  for us…that we may have eternal life—and live with You forever.

Daily Bible Reading: March 3 – Numbers 18-20

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

As usual every Friday is Feast Day—Feasting at the King’s Table. We can’t live on just spiritual food …nor can we live on bread alone. Do you feel like the Israelites who complained to Moses that they hated manna? We’ve got to have some meat and veggies. Here’s a family favorite from my Aunt Mercedes that she got from Grandma Caroline.

Cabbage Rolls

Head of Cabbage – Use 8-10 outer leaves whole, then finely chop about 2 cups cabbage.

1 pound ground beef, browned

1 cup cooked white rice, or brown rice (start with ¼ cup uncooked)

1 small onion, chopped fine

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tsp dry parsley, optional

Salt and pepper, as desired (about ¾ tsp salt and a dash of pepper)

Be sure to steam the outer cabbage leaves, or at least pour boiling water over the leaves to wilt them. You could microwave them for a minute. Mix beef, rice, onion, garlic and seasonings. Then wrap the mixture into the wilted outer cabbage leaves, place on the chopped cabbage in a pan, add about 1 cup of water, cover and cook on low heat for about 1½ hours.

© 2017 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.  www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

Love is the Key

God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19 NIV

Which key fits your heart?

Will it unlock the Love?

It became human nature to lie after Adam and Eve got deceived by Satan. Listen to what they said…“the snake made me do it.” No. They made the choice. If it is not a good choice, it may be a lie—a little bend in the truth. We are responsible for our thoughts, words and actions. God held Adam and Eve accountable for their actions by removing them from the Garden of Eden and pronouncing punishments on them—labor and pain.

God is not human. God is spirit—Jesus tells us that clearly when He spoke to the woman at the well.

For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:24.

In addition, during the last Supper Jesus told His disciple Thomas that He is the Truth, so we can assume from that that He cannot lie.

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6.

As we go through our Christian walk, we become more like Jesus Christ. That is God’s goal for us—to be like His Son. Paul wrote about this his letter to the Ephesians. Like Jesus, we’ll speak the truth in love.

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:14-15.

That’s a great goal…and a promise from God that we can claim. To not be influenced and deceived like Adam and Eve, but to become more like Jesus Christ and speak the truth in love. To follow God’s commandment…

And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 1 John 3:23.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus…I want to live just as You taught your disciples…to love one another proves to the world that we are your disciples. John 13:35. Love is the key to life…a pure life with no deception or lies. A life worth living that brings You glory.  

Daily Bible Reading: March 2 – Numbers 16-17

Birthday Memories of Uncle Leonard.

He would have been 100 years old today!

© 2017 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.  www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading

The Road to the Cross Starts Here

Then the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike His heel." Genesis 3:14-15

The “seed of the woman” has been interpreted to be Jesus. So here begins the battle between Satan, represented by the serpent, and Jesus. This is the beginning of the road to the cross for Jesus. God the Father is preparing to sacrifice His Son for the sin of disobedience committed by Adam and Eve by eating that forbidden fruit.

God is holy and He expects purity. Adam and Eve disobeyed, so God had to punish them…and mankind. He also is pronouncing the punishment of Satan. That “strike your head” is Satan’s defeat when Christ rose from the dead. “Striking His heal” is not a deadly blow. God protected His Son with that prediction. God’s plan is to destroy Satan and give the world salvation through His Son, Jesus.

For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16.

The road to the cross starts with God’s plan—His plan of salvation for mankind.

Prayer ~ Thank You, Lord God, that You have a plan…for all the world. For me…my family, friends, neighbors and everyone.

Daily Bible Reading: March 1 – Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90

© 2017 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.  www.blueletterbible.org/dailyreading