Jesus Knew What They Were Thinking

But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, "What is he saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!" Jesus knew immediately what they were thinking, so he asked them, "Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say to the paralyzed man 'Your sins are forgiven,' or 'Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk'? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!" And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, "We've never seen anything like this before!" Mark 2:6-12

Jesus knew what the teachers of the religious law were thinking. God knows what everyone is thinking. To me and probably to most humans, that seems like it would be just a huge, continuous roar of noise. Everyone’s thoughts at the same time.

The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath. Psalm 94:11 NASB

A mere breath—just about worthless. But the words of Jesus are priceless…Your sins are forgiven…and…'Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home.' No one had such power to forgive sins. The religious teachers were amazed and praised God. Good choice—to praise God. How often do we spontaneously praise God? When was the last time that you were amazed by what He has done? Are you willing to give Him your problems—besides just your physical needs—and allow Him to transform your life?

Spring is Here - Tulips are Blooming!
Life is Renewed.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—I am amazed by Your power…not just two thousand years ago…but today as You touch people’s lives and heal them. Like with Melissa’s back—her friends prayed and she felt better that day. I was feeling depressed and You gave me renewed hope. “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.” Psalm 25:5. Thank you for intervening in our lives.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 7, 21, 31, 34, 52

Did you pay your taxes? Did you give to Caesar what is due to Caesar?

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Faith Jesus Could See

When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room, even outside the door. While he was preaching God's word to them, four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They couldn't bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "My child, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:1-5

Fox den in the Arizona desert.

He’s Home! The people of Capernaum claimed that their town was Jesus’ home. He was back home. Jesus Himself didn’t claim Capernaum as His home. When talking with a teacher of religious law He said…"Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head." Matthew 8:20. He had no home. Jesus apparently stayed at the home of Peter’s mother-in-law while He was in Capernaum and it was there that the roof was removed and a paralyzed man was lowered through the ceiling into the room where Jesus was preaching. That must have been amazing. Jesus was even so impressed by the faith of the man’s friends that He pronounced forgiveness for the paralyzed man’s sin.

We have a friend, Mel, who is a paraplegic—with no feeling below his waist due to an auto accident almost twenty years ago. He gets around—even drives his big van—with little if any help. Right now he is recovering from some surgery earlier this spring—so he isn’t getting out of his home except for a trip to the doctor’s office. If lowering him through the roof would cure him of his paralysis—we certainly would cut a big hole in our roof. But we know that Jesus isn’t sitting in our living room crowded by people so that Mel can’t get to Him. Prayer is powerful—but it hasn’t brought Mel the use of his legs again…and he is OK with that. He has such a positive attitude…and that is by choice. He makes the choice to be happy—to be pleasant and even encouraging to others. What a lesson to all of us who have the use of our legs—as well as our arms, hands, fingers and toes. Did the paralyzed man complain to his friends about his inability to walk? We don’t know…but we do know that his friends had FAITH. Faith in Jesus to heal their friend.

Do you have that kind of faith that Jesus would be able to see? How far would you go to help a friend—paralyzed physically or spiritually? Are you the one who needs a spiritual touch from our Lord? Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? If not, consider one of His many promises—“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. Maybe you are thinking you don’t want to go to the Father…but that is the key to Heaven and eternal life. Another promise that gives hope…“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.” John 3:16-17.

Prayer ~ Thank You Lord Jesus for giving us hope…for the love, encouragement,  faith, healing touch, and spiritual insight You so richly and mercifully provide to us.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 21-24

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Can You Keep a Secret?

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. "If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean," he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!" Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed. Then Jesus sent him on his way with a stern warning: "Don't tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed." But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn't publicly enter a town anywhere. He had to stay out in the secluded places, but people from everywhere kept coming to him. Mark 1:40-45 

Don’t tell anyone. Can you keep a secret? Jesus asked this man NOT to tell anyone about his healing from leprosy. But the man just couldn’t keep a secret. He told everyone—Jesus healed me. Look—I was a leper—now I’m clean. I’m healed. Everyone figured if Jesus could do that for that dirty, rotten leper, He could heal them, too. So a huge crowd of people continually wanted to surround Jesus everywhere He went. He couldn’t publicly go anywhere without nearly be trampled by the crowd. Life was a little miserable for Him. He had to seek out isolated places—withdrawing from the crowds. But they still they found Him. Someone gave away His secret…He had nowhere to retreat.

Do you ever feel that you have no time to yourself? That is just how Jesus must have felt. No time or space to Himself. Why couldn’t people just leave Him alone for a few hours? He needed time to think—to listen to His Father—and to convey significant messages—with specific instructions—to His disciples and other close followers. Not a moment alone because the leper couldn’t keep a secret. If Jesus had just healed you of a life threatening disease could you keep it a secret? Would you want to keep such good news a secret? Jesus wants us to tell others about Him. If we will acknowledge Him to others, He will acknowledge us before His Father (see Matthew 10:32-33). I for one want to have Jesus tell His Father that I know and love Him…not that He never knew me. Are you willing to confess Jesus…to tell others you know about Him? How did you learn about Jesus? Someone told you. Me, too. So the only way others will learn about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is for us to live our lives in a way that others see Jesus in us…and then whenever possible, share that good news with others. This is not an idea that we have to keep a secret.

Prayer ~ Jesus, I don’t want to keep You a secret. I want the whole world to know what a wonderful, marvelous Savior You are. I want them to know that before the world was created, our Heavenly Father had a plan—for each of us to be saved from sin…and even from temptation. Give us this day o our daily spiritual bread…and lead us not into temptation…but deliver us from evil. Whether that evil is within us, fleeting through our thoughts, or around us…it is not part of us…for You are part of us and You are entirely Holy. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. Creator of Heaven and earth.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 18-20; Psalms 11, 59

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Easter is over—all those boiled eggs have been eaten and it is time to consider again what foods Jesus ate. With the travelers that He met on the Road to Emmaus He ate bread. Was it unleavened bread? Likely since it was still Passover—or the Feast of Unleavened Bread that is celebrated for the seven days following Passover.

  

Then Jesus ate fish, cooked over a fire on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, with His disciples. Throw the net over the right side of the boat. They caught a net full of fish…and He already had some cooking on the fire. Those were probably tasty fish served with bread (see John 21:4-14) that Jesus—the ever humble servant—had freshly prepared.

Roasted Fish

One cleaned fish per person—depending on the size of the fish—and the appetite of the people.

Olive oil - pour gently over or rub on the fish before roasting

Salt and pepper if desired and available

Prepare hot coals on a grill. Grill the fish for about ten minutes per side or until the fish flakes easily.

Serve with fresh bread.

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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That is Why I Came

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. Later Simon and the others went out to find him. When they found him, they said, "Everyone is looking for you." But Jesus replied, "We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came." So he traveled throughout the region of Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and casting out demons. Mark 1:35-39  

Did you ever wonder “Why did Jesus come to earth?” He tells us clearly here…that He came to preach and heal…and He had to travel to different towns and villages to do that. He couldn’t just stay in Capernaum. Galilee seemed to be His main mission area since He concentrated His time and energy on that region. He came to do His Father’s will…For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 6:38. Read that verse in the context of when Jesus spoke to the crowd of followers—5,000 men of whom He had recently fed. Now the next day they were searching for Him again.

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval." They replied, "We want to perform God's works, too. What should we do?" Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent." They answered, "Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, 'Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Sir," they said, "give us that bread every day." Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven't believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:26-40.

Are you searching for Jesus? On what are you spending your energy?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus…Help me to seek You first with all of my energy—with all of my heart and soul. You promised that when we… seek the LORD Your God, you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29 NASB. 

You are a guiding light for me—as I search for You.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 15-17

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Power Over Disease

After Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went to Simon and Andrew's home. Now Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away. So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them. That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. Mark 1:29-34    

Ruins thought to be Peter's Mother-In-Law's home.
Capernaum, Israel

When was the last time you ran a fever? I had just a low grade one this past winter…and it just zapped my energy. Even without a fever that is what being sick usually does—takes away my energy. I’m sure it was the same for Peter’s mother-in-law. There was no way she could have gotten up and fixed supper for Peter, Jesus and all His new friends, until Jesus healed her. He took her by the hand and suddenly there she was—full of energy. Up and ready to fix a big meal for the guests—so grateful to have her health restored. Then all kinds of people showed up at Peter’s home—with lots of different ailments—and even demon possession. Jesus healed them. He had power over disease and demons—the whole city came out to see Him in action. The healings possibly drained a bit of energy from Him. Spiritual energy which His Father would renew in their next prayer time.

Where do you get your spiritual energy? The relationships that I have with Jesus and with our Heavenly Father are my source of spiritual energy…and when I’m spiritually healthy, I find that I have more physical energy, too. My body has to be balanced and is healthiest when I am following God’s guidance…and relying on Him for strength, peace…and even joy in my life. For me attitude is a big controlling factor. What have you found that gives you spiritual energy in your life?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank You for Your love for the people of Capernaum and for each of us. It does not seem apparent that there was such healing or intervention in the Old Testament…but like this example in Peter’s mother-in-law’s home, You had mercy on her and on many people with afflictions there in that city. Mercy. Love. Compassion. You are always worthy of our praise. Our mere “Thanks” hardly seems enough—but that is part of Your love and compassion. You don’t expect us to be able to “do” anything to deserve Your gift of healing or of eternal life. There is no action—except just belief that is necessary on our part.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 13-14

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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I Know Who You Are

Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are--the Holy One of God!" And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. They were all amazed, so that they debated among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee. Mark 1:23-28 NASB

Ruins...or Remains...of the Synagogue at Capernaum, Israel

Jesus was at the synagogue in Capernaum, the home town of a few of His new disciples, Peter, Andrew, James, and John. This might have been His first public teaching on the Sabbath there in that city. He amazed them…just like He amazes us today. Truth, encouragement…healing. But the real reason that He amazed them was that He cast out a demon—an unclean spirit. That was an amazing feat. Read it closely…the unclean spirit recognized Jesus of Nazareth—the Holy One of God. How many people today…right here in the United States or anywhere in the world—not possessed with an unclean spirit—recognize Jesus as the Holy One of God? Can they say “I know who You are….” or can you say “I know who You are?” 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You are truly amazing and I recognize that You are the Holy One of God. You give me courage to do things I don’t want to do, strength to face my weaknesses, and show me how to love others…as You love them. Continue to give me insight into Your truths and miracles. May the news about You spread everywhere around the world.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 9-12

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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The Kingdom of God is Near!

Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God's Good News. "The time promised by God has come at last!" he announced. "The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!"  Mark 1:14-15 NLT

Model of the City of Jerusalem.
The Old will pass away...and a New Jerusalem will appear--
with foundations stones of precious jewels and streets of gold..

The Kingdom of God is near! That is a phrase that has been heard around the world…for thousands of years. Old Testament references to God’s Kingdom include a couple found in 2 Chronicles and in the book of Daniel.

Praise the LORD your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne as king to rule for him. Because God loves Israel and desires this kingdom to last forever, he has made you king over them so you can rule with justice and righteousness. 2 Chronicles 9:8

During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever. Daniel 2:44

God’s Kingdom will last forever—as foretold in Daniel—and described by Jesus.

Then Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? Luke 13:18

So what is the Kingdom of God like? Heaven is a wonderful place—depicted in Revelation.

And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ... It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone--like jasper as clear as crystal. The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. There were three gates on each side--east, north, south, and west. The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. When he measured it, he found it was a square, as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles. Then he measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick (according to the human standard used by the angel). The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were made of pearls--each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. Revelation 21:2, 11-21

Worshiping God forever and walking on streets of gold. Can you imagine anything more glorious? It all begins with repent and believe.

Prayer ~ Lord God, Worshipping You forever… heaven’s gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Revelation 21:25-27. Glory. Glory. Glory.

Daily Bible Reading:1 Samuel 4-8

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Immediately!

Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; ... Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. ... Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding district of Galilee. ... Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Mark 1:10, 18, 28, 42 NASB

The book of Mark records the things that Jesus did, more than what He said. In the sixteen chapters of the book there are forty occasions where the word Immediately is translated in the New American Standard Bible. Forty times! A few of those are listed above. Forty times are a lot of immediately. It is transliterated from the Greek word “euthys,” also meaning forthwith or straightway.

Jesus was a person of action. As He sat and talked or ate with lots of people, they were changed. He traveled often and just as Mark has recorded we see that where Jesus was, things were happening. His baptism included the Holy Spirit. The fishermen who were called to be His disciples didn’t hesitate and say…let me think about it when He called them. They left their nets and immediately followed Him. When He healed people…it didn’t take weeks to happen. It was immediate and everyone nearby and around the area heard about it. They didn’t have internet, but word of mouth spread the news quickly. That was why crowds of people followed Jesus…and He generously fed 5,000 men and their families (Mark 6:30-44) using only two fish and a few small loaves of bread. They heard of the good works—the healing touch—of Jesus and they gathered to hear His teaching and experience His healing. Maybe it was their spirits that were touched as much as their physical bodies such as those revealed when Jesus healed Mary Magdalene of seven demons (Mark 16:9) and the young man possessed by a legion of demons (Mark 5:1-16). Those healings also occurred immediately—instantly.  

Old Olive Trees in the Garden of Gethsemane - Israel.

In your life are things associated with your relationship with Jesus happening immediately? Or does it seem like everything moves at a snail’s pace? Even Jesus had to pray more than once when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 13:32-42). Don’t lose heart.

Prayer ~ Jesus, You told Your disciples… "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." Mark 6:31 NASB. Give us a time, a place and this rest also as we seek to know You more deeply and serve You more completely.

Daily Bible Reading:1 Samuel 1-3

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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I AM With You Always, Even to the End of the Age

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 28:18-20

I will never leave you...in Hebrew.
Ring from Israel

God has told us over and over that He is with us and will never leave us…or forsake us.

For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors. Deuteronomy 4:31 

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:8

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

Then David continued, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the LORD is finished correctly. 1 Chronicles 28:20

The LORD will not reject his people; he will not abandon his special possession. Psalm 94:14

When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the LORD, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. Isaiah 41:17

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU." Hebrews 13:5 NASB

The God of Israel is the God of the Christians. He is my God—my Lord, my Messiah, my Redeemer and Savior. Here again at the end of the book of Matthew, after His resurrection Jesus is repeating that promise. I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Likewise, we need to not forsake the Lord. David shared this with his son Solomon.

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

I don’t ever want to be rejected, forsaken, or abandoned by God. Do you? Claim Jesus as your God, your Savior, your Redeemer and your Messiah…and He will be with you always, even to the end of the age. Forever.

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, for Your promise to be with us always.

Daily Bible Reading: Ruth

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Would You Recognize Jesus If You Saw Him?

By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, "Stay the night with us, since it is getting late." So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! Luke 24:28-31  

Jesus blessed the bread…just like at the Last Supper, then He disappeared. His resurrected body is very unusual—and He was not always recognized. He appeared to the women at the tomb…but they didn’t recognize Him, nor did the people on the road to Emmaus. Twice Jesus entered the Upper Room where the disciples were without unlocking or opening a door. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw that it was Jesus—and He proved who He was by showing them His hands and His side (John 20). At the Sea of Galilee Jesus met Peter, Thomas, James, John, Nathanael and two other disciples who had been fishing all night, but had not caught anything. He told them to cast their net over the right side of their boat. They did as Jesus said and caught 153 large fish. These disciples then ate breakfast that Jesus had fixed—and they did not question who He was (John 21). They must have recognized Him…at least in this account John did know who He was and told Peter, who immediately swam to shore. Would you know Jesus if you saw Him?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, please continue to reveal more of Yourself to us. You said to Thomas…”Blessed and happy and to be envied are those who have never seen Me and yet have believed and adhered to and trusted and relied on Me (Amplified Bible, John 20:29).” We do believe in You and rely on You Jesus…for Your blessings in our lives, daily.

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 19-21

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. The fruit of the vine…grapes make so many different wines. Red wines from red or purple grapes and white wines from green or white grapes. The Bible does not seem to differentiate between the color of the wine or from which grapes it was made. From the prayer during the Last Supper we assume that Jesus was serving red wine because of the relationship between that wine and His blood.

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many." Matthew 26:27-28

The benefits of wine have been noted and well documented from the time of Hippocrates in 400 BCE to the present time. Those benefits include aids to digestion, sleep and nerves, as well as lowering the incidence of strokes, heart disease and cancer. Wine also can prevent diarrhea and kidney stones. Of course, all this wine must be consumed in moderation with the recommended amount as two four-ounce glasses per day for men and one four-ounce glass per day for women. More or less of these amounts resulted in reduced health benefits. If you choose not to drink alcoholic beverages, then remember that there has been some benefit found to drinking natural grape juice—with no sugar added. No risk of alcoholism involved in unfermented grape juice.

© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Do You Exalt Jesus with Your Life?

Then Jesus said to them, "You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn't it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?" Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27

Those foolish people. Didn’t they know the predictions of the Messiah? We are not to be fools.

There are many verses in Proverbs concerning fools.

Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster. Proverbs 10:14

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

Trusting a fool to convey a message is like cutting off one's feet or drinking poison! Proverbs 26:6

O LORD, what great works you do! And how deep are your thoughts. Only a simpleton would not know, and only a fool would not understand this: Though the wicked sprout like weeds and evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. But you, O LORD, will be exalted forever. Psalm 92:5-8

Jesus made His Triumphal entry into Jerusalem through this gate.
He was exalted on that day...only a week before His crucifixion.

Exalted forever. That is just how Jesus Christ is…exalted now and forever. We need to study scripture more to gain a deeper understanding of the predictions of the Messiah and to give Jesus—our Messiah—the exaltation He deserves.

Imagine those people walking along with Him on the road to Emmaus. How they didn’t recognize Jesus and yet He was telling them all the facts about Himself as revealed in scripture from Moses and the Old Testament prophets. Do you exalt Him with your life?

Prayer ~ Reveal Yourself to us, Jesus, as we read and re-read Scripture. Make Your Word come alive in our hearts and lives that we would live to please You and serve You in all that we do.

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 16-18

© 2018 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

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We Had Hoped He Was The Messiah

That same day two of Jesus' followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, "What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?" They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, "You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days." "What things?" Jesus asked. "The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth," they said. "He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago." Luke 24:13-21

Can you imagine walking along a dusty road with a stranger and telling him about Jesus—only to discover that the stranger was Jesus Himself. Jesus was a great teacher, prophet, leader, and healer, a pure and sinless man, who had been handed over by the Temple priests to be crucified by the Romans.

The Dogwood Tree Blossom
Symbolic of Jesus Christ on the Cross

The facts have not changed in over two thousand years. Jesus was pure and sinless. He fed five thousand and then three thousand men and their families from just a few fish and some small loaves of bread. There were numerous people who received healing of their bodies, soul and spirits. He walked on water and calmed a raging storm. The Jews were looking for a Messiah—to save them from the Roman oppression. Yet Jesus was not recognized as the Messiah. He was condemned to a Roman death of crucifixion by Jewish priests and religious leaders. Then miraculously He was raised from the dead after three days in a borrowed tomb. 

Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God…that He is God Himself?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You are amazing. I worship and adore You. I would have loved to have been one of those walking and chatting with You along the road to Emmaus—but I will just have to wait now until you call us home to Heaven.

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 13-15

© 2018 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

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What Would You Do? Worship or Doubt?

Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Matthew 28:16-17

  

Loaves and Fishes - Feeding 5000 men and their families.
Mosaic near the Sea of Galilee, Israel.

If Jesus Himself had been your teacher, encourager, mentor and friend could you have doubted His resurrection? If you saw Him feed 5,000 men, heal the sick, lame and blind, hang on the cross…and then raised from the dead to stand before you near the Sea of Galilee, could you have doubted? Would you doubt that it was actually Him…or would you doubt the whole resurrection story was true? He was standing right there and other disciples were worshiping Him. What would you do? Worship or doubt?

Prayer ~ Lord God…I believe. Help my unbelief. I worship You, Jesus, in spirit and in truth. Just as You said to the women at the well near Sychar…"But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth."  John 4:23-24

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 10-12

© 2018 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

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Harboring a Lie

As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. They told the soldiers, "You must say, 'Jesus' disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.' If the governor hears about it, we'll stand up for you so you won't get in trouble." So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today. Matthew 28:11-15

The stone was rolled away.
Where is Jesus?
He is Risen. He is Risen indeed.

While they were sleeping? What guard gets to sleep when they are on duty? That would be cause for execution. The guards may have sensed that they were going to die either way…so they let the Jewish elders bribe them. What a rumor to start—to perpetrate a lie. Those Jewish leaders must have been afraid of the truth—that Jesus was the Son of God—their Messiah. They just couldn’t believe it. They couldn’t believe that the resurrection was true—so they bribed the guards to lie. Those guards harbored that lie. They concealed it from the public and from the governor. Did they tell their families and friends the truth? It didn’t matter. Jesus’ disciples and followers learned the truth…and saw Jesus for themselves. Jesus had indeed risen from the dead. Go and tell others. He is risen…He is risen indeed.

That is still the same message we need to share today. Jesus is not dead. He is risen from the dead. He is actually in heaven creating a new home for all who believe in Him for they will have a new eternal life with Him.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand. Colossians 3:1

Do you believe that Jesus was raised from the dead? Then seek Him first in your life, set your sights on the realities of heaven and be sure to live so that others know you love Jesus…so they will want to live for Him, too.

Time may be shorter than you think for we don’t know the hour or the day when Jesus Christ will return to earth and call us to our heavenly home for eternity. Be ready. Don’t harbor any lies…like those guards did…but seek the truth.

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

Prayer ~ Thank You Jesus…for being the Lamb of God…for taking away the sins of the world…for being the way, the truth, and the life. I long for and look forward to an eternity in Heaven with You, with our Heavenly Father, and with the Holy Spirit.

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 8-9

© 2018 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.

Resurrection Sunday

The Empty Tomb
Jerusalem, Israel

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, "Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn't here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day." Then they remembered that he had said this. So they rushed back from the tomb to tell his eleven disciples--and everyone else--what had happened. Luke 24:1-9   

Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? Are you looking for someone who is dead or alive? Jesus is alive…and because He is ALIVE, one day anyone who believes in Him will also be alive forever! Eternally alive.  Believe. Are you looking for Him?  David gave this advice to his son, Solomon.

As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 NASB

The same advice is good for us. Seek God…serve Him with your entire heart and mind. If you turn your back on Him…He will reject you. No one wants to be rejected...left behind…or unloved. Even God must be loved…as commanded through Moses and then later described in the story of the Good Samaritan.  

These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the LORD your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the LORD your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Deuteronomy 6:1-6

The man answered, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27

There is no other thing that is more important in life than to love God. Do you love Him and seek Him with all your heart?

Prayer ~ Lord God…I do love You with all my heart, mind soul and strength. You are awesome. May all of Israel also seek You with all their hearts. Protect them as they search for You just as those women looked for You in the empty tomb. Let them recognize You as their Messiah—just as You are my Messiah…my King of Kings…my Lord and Savior. I praise You, Heavenly Father—for Your redemption plan…for allowing Jesus’ blood to be shed for the sins of mankind. Thank You. Thank You, Jesus--for Your obedience...for being the Lamb of God...our sacrifice.

Daily Bible Reading: Judges 6-7

Joyous Resurrection Sunday to Everyone

He is Risen—He is Risen Indeed!

© 2018 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.

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  

Crucifix at the Holy Family Shrine
near Ashland, Nebraska

David wrote this Psalm 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, rejected, or unloved and groaned for God’s help? I have. I was very distressed after my sister and her family were killed in a domestic violence incident 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. We won’t be 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—enough to give Your own Son for 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 31 – Judges 3-5

© 2018 Text and photo 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

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