A Shepherd and King...Born in Bethlehem

Daily Advent Lectionary Reading - Wednesday, December 5, 2017
Psalm 79
Micah 5:1-5a
Luke 21:34-38

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past. Micah 5:2

Camel Crossing....at the Judean Desert - Israel

This is one of the great prophesies that predicted Jesus birth in Bethlehem. A ruler of Israel will be born in Bethlehem. Jesus is that great ruler--King of Kings, Lord of Lords. Picture those wise men traveling along following the star to Israel...to Jerusalem where they went to the palace of KIng Herod looking for the King of the Jews.
     - Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise mean class from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him." King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, "Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?" "In Bethlehem in Judea," they said, "for this is what the prophet wrote: 'And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.' Matthew 2:1-6

A ruler who was a shepherd. David was a shepherd who became a ruler, a King of Israel. (See 1 Samuel 16 & 17 and 1 Chronicles 11) What other rulers were shepherds? Our Lord and King, Jesus was humbly born--the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  When He was born HIs mother  wrapped Him in swaddling cloths...just as the custom for a sacrificial lamb. Jesus spoke to the Pharisees about shepherds and told them..."I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep." John 10:11. Jesus is our shepherd--spiritually. He cares for us--like only a shepherd can--protecting, guiding, rescuing, nurturing and providing for us. I feel honored to worship a King who knows me-know my thoughts and plans-jut like He know Solomon's heart.
     "And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever." 1 Chronicles 28:9.
A Shepherd and a King knows your heart. Are you looking for Him?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus--know my heart--search me and know my thoughts. May each breath I take and each thought I have bring You honor and glory--during this Advent time and always.

Daily Bible Reading ~ 2 Corinthians 10-13
Advent Random Act of Kindness ~ Collect coats for a local shelter.

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Advent--Coming Day

Daily Advent Lectionary Readings:
Psalm 79
Micah 4:6-13
Revelation 18:1-10

"In that coming day," says the LORD, "I will gather together those who are lame, those who have been exiles, and those whom I have filled with grief. Those who are weak will survive as a remnant; those who were exiles will become a strong nation. Then I, the LORD, will rule from Jerusalem as their king forever.As for you, Jerusalem, the citadel of God's people, your royal might and power will come back to you again. The kingship will be restored to my precious Jerusalem. As for you, Jerusalem, the citadel of God's people,  your royal might and power will come back to you again. The kingship will be restored to my precious Jerusalem." Micah 4:6-8

Old Jerusalem wall as seen from the Mount of Olives -- Eastern Gate

The Lord of Lords, King of Kings will reign--majestically rule--from Jerusalem. Forever in Jerusalem, that powerful city that is the most important one in the crossroads of Israel and of the world. He will rescue those people who are grief stricken, lame or lonely. The survivors. Survival - that is the key.
Think about that TV show Survivors--my big grand kiddos favorite program. The strategic reality game show where people try to outwit and out perform each other on their way to winning a grand prize. A huge prize of one million dollars goes to the person who is the sole surviver of the grueling challenges that the TV producers put the player through, the group alliances, and food deprivations used to entertain the masses--reminiscent of the Roman collesium challenges.  Those TV show survivor challengers may seem like exiles on a deserted island--having to live off the land, catching fish and eating grubs and bugs--but that is the sort of things people will do for a million bucks. What do you have to do to survive right where you are?
God has a bigger plan--and although a million bucks is not God's prize---an eternal heavenly home worth more than that is certainly His ultimate reward. I'm going for that.  I can't picture myself on the Survivor show--or winning a million dollars. But I can see myself spending eternity praising the Lord...in the coming days.  How about you?

Prayer - Lord Jesus...Thank You for Your promise--to rescue the lame, the exiles and the grieving souls. I long to see Your Kinghip restored in Jerusalem. Hail King Jesus.

Daily Bible Reading ~ 2 Corinthians 5-9
Random Act of Kindness - Compliment someone you don't know. 

© 2017 Text and photos 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 Most Important City - Jerusalem

Daily Advent Lectionary Readings:

Psalm 79

Micah 4:1-5

Revelation 15:1-8

In the last days, the mountain of the LORD's house will be the highest of all--the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. People from many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of Jacob's God. There he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For the LORD's teaching will go out from Zion; his word will go out from Jerusalem. The LORD will mediate between peoples and will settle disputes between strong nations far away. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore. Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear. The LORD of Heaven's Armies has made this promise!  Though the nations around us follow their idols, we will follow the LORD our God forever and ever. Micah 4:1-5

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQF9sl-RNMGeny7dLbv7CeKa2wmxnbuHtgzjivGNcPfPjl-xOeFObVxctZ7UkWQtxFmnnHgL7QzgMmk_dkkOSuxnyfpiSu-PJhP8-EIR3uP3bypeBw2uamynx8DPWcXtBPUFiBvOtXGfmR/s1600/Jerusalem.JPG

Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives

The mountain of the Lord's house is Jerusalem. At the crossroad of the Middle East--or even the crossroads of the whole world--Jerusaleum is in a strategically important location. The most important place on earth. Even now people from all over the earth make pilgrimages to the Holy Land to worship, to walk where Jesus walked, to see HIs birthplace, to be baptized in the Jordan River--where Jesus was baptized, to sit in a boat on the Sea of Galilee and eat "Peter Fish"...to stand on the hillside where He preached the Sermon on the Mount or to walk along the paths near Caesaea Philippi where Jesus asked His disciples "Who Do You Say That I Am?"  This same Holy Land with Jerusalem at it's center is also important to Muslims around the world. Will there ever be peace between the Muslims and Christians? Can weapons be turned into plowshares? No fear. That is quite a promise from the LORD! No fear--living in peace. Are we in "The last days?" Follow the Lord.  He has the answers. He will teach us HIs ways. Are you willing to listen...to be taught?

Prayer ~ Teach us, Lord, to know and understand Your ways...to seek You peace, joy and love in our lives. Even if we never get to Jerusalem in our earthly lifetime, we will see You in the New Jerusalem some day. In the meantime...no fear as we wait for Your return.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 1-4

     © 2017 Text and photos 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

Advent Begins! December 3

Daily Lectionary Bible Reading

Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! When you came down long ago, you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him! You welcome those who gladly do good, who follow godly ways. But you have been very angry with us, for we are not godly. We are constant sinners; how can people like us be saved We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins.And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. Don't be so angry with us, LORD. Please don't remember our sins forever. Look at us, we pray, and see that we are all your people. Isaiah 64:1-9

Other Lectionary readings for today:

Psalm 80:1-7; 16-18

Mark 13:24-27

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

Advent begins! This is the beginning of the Christian Year.--and everyone is counting down the weeks and days until Christmas. The Eastern Christian Church actually has a 40 day fast--The Nativity Fast--so opposite that of the European-American custom of chocolate treats in an Advent Calendar.

We all are infected...infected by our sin. Infected--consider that word. Putrid, unclean, dirty...yucky. Yes that is how we look in God's eyes. He turns away from us ...until we repent. That is our choice--repent. Isaiah is asking God not to be angry with us...or to even remember our sins. In Isaiah 43 God tells Jacob's family--the Israelites--that even though they refuse to ask for God's help or offer sacrifices for their sins...God blots out...takes away their sins for His own sake. He wants to have a relationship with them--so He forgives them even though they don't deserve it. 

     -You have to fought me fragrant calamus or please me with the fat from sacrifices. Instead, you have rudeness me with your sins and wearied me with your faults. I--yes, I alone--will blot out your sins for my own sake and will ne'er think of them again. Isaiah 43:24-25

He does the same for us. HE WON'T EVEN REMEMBER OUR SINS. Can you forgive others for the way they have offended or hurt you? God forgives us...the least we can do is forgive others. That brings so many scriptures to mind...especially...

     - Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:9-15.

We don't always think of FORGIVENESS at this time of Advent..but I find that for me it is a daily excercise--whether it is to forgive that person who cut me off in traffic..or myself for looking back and once again wishing things were different in my life...the could have, should have been predicament. 

Where are you at with the Lord today? Forgiven as you forgive others?

Prayer ~ Lord God, please do forgive us...as we forgive others. We are your people...don't remember our sin anymore--especially as we celebrate the birth of Your Son, Jesus, and await His return!

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16

© 2017 Text and photos 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

Do You Believe?

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 2:25

Just like Simeon was waiting for the Messiah at the time of Jesus' birth...we are waiting for His return. Right now...or for the next 25 days we are anticipating Christmas. I think that a lot of people feel like Christmas is just for kids...gifts and Santa and all...but Christmas is for everyone. Jesus was God's greatest gift to all mankind. He gave....

     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

Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Jesus Birth. It begins the first Sunday after November 30th and ends with the fourth Sunday--that is before before December 25th. For some people it has been a time of fasting...for others it is a daily treat of a chocolate candy. Whatever it is...it is a time to think of Jesus as God's gift to us and to consider how we can share with others the good news of Jesus' birth, HIs sacrifice and HIs resurrection. As we eagerly "wait" for Christmas think carefully about the impact that Jesus has on your life.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Thank You for giving up Your home in Heaven to come spend some time with people on earth two thousand years ago. Thank You for being our Messiah.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 9-11

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. We’ve got to have some meat, veggies and fruit. How about using those last jalapeño peppers from the garden for Jalapeño Poppers? Yum.

Jalapeño Poppers

12 jalapeño peppers (can use small red/yellow/orange sweet peppers) slice in half and remove seeds

1/2 cup cream cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 slices of bacon

Mix cheeses. Fill each half of the peppers. Top with a bit of sliced bacon

Broil for 5-7 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese is melted.  Serve warm and enjoy! 

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Eagerly Waiting

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him. Luke 2:25

Just like Simeon was waiting for the Messiah at the time of Jesus' birth...we are waiting for His return. Right now...or for the next 25 days we are anticipating Christmas. I think that a lot of people feel like Christmas is just for kids...gifts and Santa and all...but Christmas is for everyone. Jesus was God's greatest gift to all mankind. He gave....

     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

Advent is a time of preparation for the celebration of Jesus Birth. It begins the first Sunday after November 30th and ends with the fourth Sunday--that is before before December 25th. For some people it has been a time of fasting...for others it is a daily treat of a chocolate candy. Whatever it is...it is a time to think of Jesus as God's gift to us and to consider how we can share with others the good news of Jesus' birth, HIs sacrifice and HIs resurrection. As we eagerly "wait" for Christmas think carefully about the impact that Jesus has on your life.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus...Thank You for giving up Your home in Heaven to come spend some time with people on earth two thousand years ago. Thank You for being our Messiah.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 9-11

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. We’ve got to have some meat, veggies and fruit. How about using those last jalapeño peppers from the garden for Jalapeño Poppers? Yum.

Jalapeño Poppers

12 jalapeño peppers (can use small red/yellow/orange sweet peppers) slice in half and remove seeds

1/2 cup cream cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 slices of bacon

Mix cheeses. Fill each half of the peppers. Top with a bit of sliced bacon

Broil for 5-7 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese is melted.  Serve warm and enjoy! 

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Honor the Lord

Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. Psalm 86:11

Studying the Bible is the key to Honoring God.

To honor God—that is the goal of my life…my existence. It hasn’t always been. I wanted to help people and cure the world of cancer…great goal and it could have honored God along with curing people of a horrific disease, but I wanted it for my glory. Look what I did. I didn’t do that. When it got right down to figuring out how to go about that, I didn’t have the self-confidence to really pursue my dream. Along the way I’ve learned to seek God’s way for my life—and live…or try to live…according to His truth. Jesus IS the way, the truth and the life. In a discussion with His disciples He told Thomas…

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

Jesus is willing to teach us His ways so that we can live according to His truth. The best place to start is by reading…but not just skimming, but really studying and learning the Bible. Do you read your Bible every day? I’ve been trying to do a Daily Bible Reading, but I will admit I’m a few days behind. I’ll catch up soon. I plan to finish out this year and celebrate having read the entire Bible! Then on January 1, 2018, I’ll start again. I’ve really enjoyed this chronological study. May I challenge you to join me as I read the Bible through again? There is always something new that the Holy Spirit shows me…even if I’ve read a passage a dozen times. What has the Lord been showing you in His word? How have you applied that to your life? Are you sharing that with someone?

Prayer ~ Lord, please continue to reveal Yourself to me as I study Your Word. Teach me Your ways so that I may live according to Your truth. Give a pure heart that brings You honor and glory.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 5-8

Happy Birthday to Vicki in Heaven.

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

God's Blessing on Israel

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. Ezekiel 36:26 

Pray for all of Israel

A Request Posted in Jerusalem.

What a great promise! A new heart—tender, responsive. A new heart would be like Christ’s heart. Loving, compassionate, considerate. The new spirit will surely be an infilling of the Holy Spirit.

But, read this text in context. It is always important to understand the context of what is written. God is talking about when He will bring His people back into the land of Israel. That is just what has been happening for there for the last fifty years.

Therefore, give the people of Israel this message from the Sovereign LORD: I am bringing you back, but not because you deserve it. I am doing it to protect my holy name, on which you brought shame while you were scattered among the nations. I will show how holy my great name is--the name on which you brought shame among the nations. And when I reveal my holiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign LORD, then the nations will know that I am the LORD. For I will gather you up from all the nations and bring you home again to your land. "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. Ezekiel 36:22-25.

This is exciting. We may all want “a new heart” and that promise is given to us as we ask, like David did…Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:10. This promise in Ezekiel is for the Israelites who have been scattered around the world. Now they are coming back to their homeland…back to the Promised Land of Israel…back to God. May He bless them as they turn their hearts towards Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Bless Your people, Israel. We rejoice in their homecoming and the fulfilling of Your prophesy. They are Your people.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 1-4 

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

To the Religious Men of Athens

So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: "Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: 'To an Unknown God.' This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I'm telling you about. He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. Acts 17:22-25 

Can a person be religious and not believe in God? Sure…even now we have many religions that don’t believe in God. In an Internet search of various sites I found that the top five religions in the world today are Christianity (33%), Islam (21%), Hindu (13%), Buddhist (6%), and Chinese religions (6%). Additional religions include Primal religions (6%), Sikhism (0.4%) and Judaism (0.2%) and then of course, there is a group people considered Non-religious (16%). Christianity and Judaism are the only ones in this list of top eight that worship God as the creator, sustainer, provider, and savior of mankind--the Messiah. Christianity is exclusive in worshipping a God who has been resurrected from the dead.

In Paul’s time the Greeks worshipped many gods and loved to debate and learn facts about them. Paul was able to teach some of the Greek leaders, as well as women and men of the community, about Jesus and His resurrection. Some laughed. A number of those listening to Paul became believers and others were eager to hear more about Jesus at a later time. This “unknown” god became a very real God to those who believed. Who is He to you? Could you have defended Jesus Christ as the “unknown” god as Paul did? What scripture would you use to persuade others to learn about Jesus?

Prayer ~ Jesus, open our eyes and hearts to opportunities to share the facts of Your death and resurrection. Help us to live our Christianity is such a way that others will be curious and want to know more about You.

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 18-19

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

Pleasing the Holy Spirit

Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:7-10 

Plant and harvest. You get what you plant…plant tomatoes, harvest tomatoes. Plant basil, harvest basil, not wheat. That is pretty logical. There’s some essentially basic and yet wise advice about planting and harvesting in the Bible.

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18.

Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12. 

Seeds of peace reap righteousness and that results in love. Harvest righteousness…and then plant it—how do you do that? Does it grow on a bush or a tree in your heart? Righteousness is right living before God, with integrity, virtue and purity of life. That is all goodness, pleasing to the Holy Spirit—God Himself. Doing good. It warms my heart to see and hear of others, doing good. I love it when I see others in my Church family hugging and helping fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. We naturally see lots of love sharing around this time of Thankfulness and the Remembrance of Christ’s birth, but I see it in my Church family all year around. Don’t get tired of doing good—that in itself is a blessing. So choose to keep on doing good…blessing others by pleasing the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer ~ Lord God, provide opportunities for each of us to “do good” and help us not to be misled. Open our eyes to show us what we are “planting” and “harvesting” for we want to live to please You.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 & 2 Thessalonians

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

Prisoner of Sin...from the Law?

Is there a conflict, then, between God's law and God's promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God's promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ. Galatians 3:21-22  

Are you a captive behind this door?

A prisoner of sin?

Prisoners of sin. Do you feel like you are a prisoner—held captive by sins? Sins are actions that are disobedience to the law is some way or another. As I see it…and actually as Jesus taught…the summarizations of the Ten Commandments is…And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." Mark 12:30-31. Sin all boils down to breaking those Commandments. God’s promise of freedom is Jesus…or believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God…and as our Savior. He saves us…sets us free from being prisoners of sin. What a marvelous idea…a plan…the promise for mankind.

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. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18

God loves us. We may feel unlovable…but He cares about us anyway. Let Him love you. Have you received God’s promise of freedom? 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father - Thank You for Your promise of freedom. It is so simple to just believe…but like the young father  that Jesus encountered…help  my unbelief.

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 17

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

Hold Your Tongue?

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:1-10  

My tongue often gets me into trouble. I speak without thinking, voicing my opinion--maybe finishing others sentences without regard to what they're really meaning. Oops. Actually rude. Are my thoughts any more important or pertinent than others? Certainly not more creative, original or righteous than others. How does one "tame" their tongue? In the past I've struggled with some cussing. I grew up on a farm and had a friend who cussed like an old ranch hand--what a horrible habit for me to pick-up. At any rate it was still a struggle after I became a Christian and then I learned the concept of "renewing my mnd." It wasn't just my tongue than needed to be controlled--my mind needed to be renewed--sort of like rebooting your computer. God was gracious--and did just that for me. 

     - Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29. 

     - Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 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 12:1-2 NASB

It says in the NLT...Don't copy the behavior of this world....

Let your mind be transformed. Be like those transformer cars or even like ancient statues that reveal a different form or character. The mind controls the body...and with God's help...the heart will be respected...and respectful. That could lead to a controlled tongue, and that is a beautiful thing--worthy of God's attention. 

Prayer - Lord - give me grace to speak kindly to others...and to love them as I love myself. Tame my tongue. Transform my heart and my mind to be pleasing to you. Daily Bible Reading: Galatians 4-6

                                           HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY - ANDREW!

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

What Can You Endure?

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

        Seattle Rush Hour Traffic at a Snail's Pace

Endure. Consider how you feel when you have to wait in a long line or a slow traffic jam. I get anxious--even though scripture teaches that we should not be anxious.

     - Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NET

Patiently endure. When we recently visited Seattle and we're stuck in rush hour traffic--I was glad I was NOT driving. Somehow it is easier to "patiently endure" when I'm not in the drivers seat. Can that be applied spiritually? Amazingly enough when I allow Jesus to be the "driver" of my life then I'm not so anxious. Yes. Realizing that is amazing. Jesus can be in control. It is our choice--choose Jesus--choose less anxiety. 

Endurance for those who love God seems to be of utmost importance. God has promised eternal life AND a crown...to those who love Him and patiently endure testing and temptation. That is difficult. Subconsciencely we strive to be the Best...the first...at least I have found this for myself. I am after all a competitive person. Is this a test for me...to be less competitive? Yet..."I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13.. All things...whether it means resisting temptation of eating a sweet I know I shouldn't have or going somewhere earthly temptation is strong. Flee from evil and evil apperarances. God has promised not only eternal life, but a crown of life to those who love Him. Do you love God? Do you love God with all your heart soul mind and strength? Patiently endure testings and temptations. 

Prayer ~ Lord teach me to patiently endure the trials and temptations before me. 

Daily Bible Reading: Galatians 1-3

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

After a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner a dear friend, Florence, shared a favorite recipe of hers. It was famous at Commander's Palace in New Orleans.

Seafood Sauce

1 cup catsup

1/4 cup cream style horseradish sauce

1/8 to 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Brown sugar to taste 

Mix together and serve with shrimp or any seafood.

Happy Birthday, Marv.

© 2017 Text and Photos 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 Thankful?

               And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:15-16

Rule.  What does that mean to you? With our democratic government and freedom here in the United States we don't have as strong a concept of kingship. Although we should show respect to our elected government officials,we don't bow down to a king. Does that make the idea of honoring Jesus as KING of KINGS in our heart more difficult? We all have the choice to make. Who is on the "throne" of your heart? Are we in charge...or is Jesus? Do we want to do things our way or the way that Jesus taught which is basically to love the Lord or God with all our heart..and to love our neighbor as ourselves? The choice is ours. 

It is our annual Day of THANKSGIVING. There are many passages if scripture that encourage us to be thankful.

-          Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

-          Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

-          Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. Hebrews 12:28

Budapest at night. Royal beauty--do you honor Christ as if He were in the in the palace--on the throne of your heart?

Worship God--respectfully. I think that includes letting Him rule in our hearts...and minds. Thankfully.

Prayer ~ Thank You Jesus...for life and Your love that permeates our hearts and minds. May all that we that we think, say and do bring glory and honor toYou and to our Heavenly Father. Personally, today I am singing with a thankful heart.

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 15-16

                                                    Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!  

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

Troubles?

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4

                                                       Along the Rhine River.

WHEN your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow. Not IF your faith is tested...but WHEN. So be prepared. Your faith WILL be challenged or tested. It is like endurance is a seed planted in the ground...cared for by watering it...and providing food. Endurance if given a chance WILL grow to maturity. That's about the time we die...having become perfect and complete. Jesus was the only "perfect" individual. We can only attain His perfection when we go to live with Him forever in Heaven. I look forward to that day. For the time being...endure.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:1-5 NASB

Rejoice and be thankful...with great joy...because your endurance is growing. God has found you worthy of His attention.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Give us grace that we would express joy when we have trials and when part of our church or Christian body around the world suffers discrimination or persecution.

Daily Bible Reading: James

Happy Birthday, Barry!

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

Herod Was Wormy--NOT a god.

 Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod's country for food. The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod's personal assistant, and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, "It's the voice of a god, not of a man!" Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers. Acts 12:20-24

     Give me a kingdom of worshippers--and beautiful flowers.  Is this what Herod wanted? 

Several times we read in scripture that Peter and Paul were "worshiped" by people--but the both vehemently denied that declaring that they were only human. Not Herod. Unlike Paul and Peter, Herod adored being worshipped--receiving the praise of men.  

For by the grace given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment, as God has distributed to each of you a measure of faith.  Romans 12:3 (NET)

Think more highly of others than yourself...that is like "love your neighbor as yourself." Such wisdom. If Herod had thought to please God...instead of seeking glory from men, then God may not have struck him will illness and worms.  Ugh! We have similar choices to make. Please God or go for glory from other people. What will it be for you today?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, help us to make good choices today and choose to serve You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. 

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 13-14

© 2017 Text and Photos 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. 

No Favoritism

…Peter replied, "I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all." Acts 10:34-36

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. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. "There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18
God's plan from the beginning was to love everyone--that is the whole world--not just the Jews or not just those He created in th e a Garden of Eden...but everyone around the earth through all time and eternity. It turns out that that is an enormous number of people. He is a big God with enough love foe everyone. As Luke recorded here in the book of Acts--God doesn't have favorites. We know He has His "chosen" people--the family of Abraham--the Jews--but He doesn't love the non-Jews any less. God gave the Jews knowledge so that through the ages knowledge and understanding of Him would survive. And yet the Jews have been probably the most persecuted of all people. Peter tells us here that the message of the Good News--that Jesus is the Messiah--the Christ--the Son of God--is to bring peace to the Jews. Since He has no favorites--may we all be blessed with His peace through His Son, Jesus Christ. 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus--help us to do what is right in Your eyes--all that is kind and good. Shower us with that peace that passes all understanding.   

      And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:7 (NET)

That is God's deep abiding peace  I am filled with thankfulness for Your love, joy and especially Your peace in my life. Glory be to the Father. 

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 11-12

                               Happy Birthday, Sylvia

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

Come As Soon As Possible

There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room. But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, "Please come as soon as possible!" So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, "Get up, Tabitha." And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive. The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord. Acts 9:36-42  

Peter—please come as soon as possible! Dorcas was so respected and revered in her community. And she should have been for helping the poor and doing kind things for others.. What a worker for the Lord. Sewing in those days must have been hard work—no electric sewing machines and consider that their fabrics were probably much courser than ours today, and the sewing needles may not have been as strong and sharp. Hmmm. Sounds like that lady had strong fingers and gumption. Gumption—there’s a word for you. Determination. Persistence. Dedication. Yes. All of the above. Now at Dorcas’ untimely death, her church family and community were missing her. Send for Peter. Surely he can help—Jesus raised people from the dead—he can, too. And so in prayer Peter did just that. Dorcas lived again. What a rejoicing they had—a great time of Thanksgiving. We may not have had such miraculous transformations in our lives—but we can all recognize how powerful prayer can be. Relationship and communication with God has not changed in the over 2000 years since Peter prayed. God still hears our prayers. Several times Jesus taught His disciples about prayer. This one below recorded in Mark deals with faith and doubt. No doubt for Peter when it came to raising Dorcas back to life.

Then Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours. But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too." Mark 11:22-25 

No sin—no doubt. These are keys to good communication with God. Are you praying directly to God or expecting Peter to “come as soon as possible” to pray for you? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, forgive me for doubting the power of my prayers. I trust you with each of my family, friends and neighbors today that You will touch their lives—healing, strengthening, and protecting them, as well as helping them to make good decisions. 

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 9-10

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.

Is Your Heart Christ’s Home?

Here’s part of Stephen’s sermon…
"David found favor with God and asked for the privilege of building a permanent Temple for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who actually built it. However, the Most High doesn't live in temples made by human hands. As the prophet says, 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that?' asks the LORD. 'Could you build me such a resting place? Didn't my hands make both heaven and earth?' "You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you!” Acts 7:46-51 

God doesn’t make His home in temples made by human hands. His home is in the heart and souls of those who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior. 

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:16-17

Mud House built in early 1900's - Jeske Family Home

Is your heart a welcome site--or vacant and empty home?

It seems that this scripture in Ephesians is the only one that talks about Christ—God Himself—making His home in your heart. For many years I’ve contended that it is really the Holy Spirit that comes to live in our hearts—but since the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one, I guess that is just nitpicky. God is there if we request Him to be part of our lives. He is a gentleman and doesn’t go where He is not wanted or invited. As this scripture today encourages us…don’t resist the Holy Spirit…don’t be a heathen at heart or deaf to the truth.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 

Believe and be set free—free from sin. Free to understand the truth. Free to embrace the hope that Jesus gives us. Free to share His love and grace with others. That’s life—freedom to love and be loved.

Prayer ~ Jesus, You built a wonderful place in my heart—just for You. Live there and give me the grace to love others for You—not to put myself first. Daily show me more of Your truth—at a deeper depth. I praise You and thank you for Your love, mercy and creativity.

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 7-8

© 2017 Text and Photos 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.