Harvest What You Plant

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

Did you harvest tomatoes?

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.

And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16

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

© 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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Only 28 Days Until Christmas

Prisoner of Sin…of 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 these ancient anchors holding you captive in 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 summations 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

© 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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Only 29 Days Until Christmas 

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 mind." 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

This verse in the NLT says...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 Birthday Andrew!

© 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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Only 30 Days Until Christmas

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

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 driver’s 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. 

Purity of Endurance--Like a Crown

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. Subconsciously 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 appearances. 

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 testing and temptations. 

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

Daily Bible Reading: Galatians 1-3

Happy Birthday, Marv

© 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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Only 31 Days Until Christmas

Are Troubles Coming Your Way?

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

Meet Trouble

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: Acts 15-16

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Since Thanksgiving is over…and we are all looking forward to the next big holiday…Christmas…it is time to reevaluate our diet…or eating and drinking habits again. I’m trying out a few recipes to add to my routine repertoire—as we all have favorites that we repeat time and again. New favorites that are particularly healthy are good. I’m considering the Paleo Diet since I have found that my body is just healthier—less arthritis pain and more energy with a wheat-free or grain-free eating plan. I’m also reducing sugar, and restricting, if not totally eliminating, dairy products. 

Still the most important part of my diet is water. Clean, clear water. It seems most refreshing when it is cold, but I have been reading from multiple sources than room or body temperature water is best--especially at the beginning of the day. Help your body flush out the toxins. Water--plain and pure--is best for that rather than any beverage, coffee or even herbal tea. So drink up. I am. 

Do you take fresh clean water for granted? We just turn on the tap and there it is. What about people in areas where there is not fresh water? Some children can't even go to school because they have to spend their time carrying water from a well miles from their village. As you are considering year end giving think about families who don't have the luxury of fresh water in places like India, Pakistan and Thailand. World Vision and Global Gateway Network are reliable organizations to administer money for well drilling, literacy and homes for orphaned children. God provides so generously for us--so we can help others. Think of others as you sip some clean clear water. 

© 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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Only 32 Days Until Christmas

Be Thankful…and Peaceful

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 to You and to our Heavenly Father. Personally, today I am singing with a thankful heart.

Daily Bible Reading: James

Happy Birthday, Barry!

© 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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Only 33 Days Until Christmas

The People Were Not Herod’s Friends

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

Do you think you are more beautiful than this butterfly?
Do you think more highly of yourself than others?

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 worshiped—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)

Thinking 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 with 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

© 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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Only 34 Days Until Christmas

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    

Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese garden - Manito Park
Spokane, Washington
Are we crossing over the bridge...into the Garden of Eden?

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 the 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 for 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

© 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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Only 35 Days Until Christmas

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

PRAY

Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "May you have peace." For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:6-9

Peace. There are 361 verses on peace in the New Living Translation. That is almost enough for a verse a day of just peace! Peace…harmony, reconciliation, calm, goodwill, quiet, stillness, tranquility, contentment or serenity. It is a state of mind that is not stressed. Or can you feel peace even when stressed? If Jesus is in control of your life…then there will be peace. Breath in—breath out. Life in…stress out. Let go of it and let God rule. Yes. That does bring peace.

But peace in itself can be an elusive thing. We can’t have peace just for the sake of peace. Even Jesus didn’t claim that He came to give peace.

Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! Luke 12:51

Jesus came to stir things up. God doesn’t want us to love our family or friends more than we love Him. He has declared that He is a jealous god. We must take up our cross and follow Jesus (Matthew 10:38) not following our own goals and desires—but giving up what we want to follow Him and His ways. Can you do that?

As we’re getting ready to celebrate the Advent and Christmas season soon, remember the verse…

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Prince of Peace…that is Jesus--our Messiah. He brings contentment into our lives and gives us a serenity—that we can choose to pass on to others. Peace is a wonderful gift to receive and one that is worth giving to others. How can we give that to others? Tell them about Jesus and what He has done in your life. Let them experience His peace, love and joy for themselves. Seek His peace—seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. So family and friends around the world...and in Jerusalem—May you have peace.

Prayer ~ Jesus, I trust you with each of my family, friends and all of Jerusalem today that You will touch their lives—healing, strengthening, and protecting them, as well as helping them to make good decisions and giving them Your peace.

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 9-10

© 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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Only 36 Days Until Christmas

Don’t Gossip or Speak Against Your Friends

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the LORD, and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who lend money without charging interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever. Psalm 15:1-5

Hollyhocks in Israel
Who can worship on the Lord's Holy Hill?

Refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Is that how someone would describe you? It is so easy to get caught up in gossip. A conversation may start about the weather—that is always a safe topic and one about which everyone has an opinion. But soon the chatter may go to what so and so is doing…how they treat their husband, children, parents, neighbors, co-workers, friends or church family. Is that a good conversation which will bring glory to God? I think not. Don’t get involved. In his great wisdom Solomon wrote some good advice about gossiping in Proverbs.

A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence. Proverbs 11:13 (Be that trustworthy friend.)

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28

(Plant seeds of encouragement to grow in your friendships.)

Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation. Proverbs 25:10 (Don’t gossip—so you won’t be accused of it.)

One of my favorite verses encourages everyone to think about good things. That is the best thing to do—for yourself and for your family, friends and neighbors.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

Think about the good and what is pleasing to the Lord. That is my goal for today…for every day. What about you?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night. You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong. I am determined not to sin in what I say. I have followed your commands, which keep me from following cruel and evil people. My steps have stayed on your path; I have not wavered from following you. I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways. By your mighty power you rescue those who seek refuge from their enemies. Psalm 17:3-7

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 7-8

© 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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Only 37 Days Until Christmas

Restored Relationships

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:6-11

Friends. Friendships. Relationships. You can’t have one without the other. No relationship with God, with Jesus, with the Holy Spirit…or with any people is without some level of love and friendship. Even in a strained relationship there is a physical or emotional attachment.

  

The Western Wall - known as The Wailing Wall
Jerusalem
Praying for Restoration of Peace in Relationships

Restore—that is a great word. There are so many times that things…people’s health, fortunes, belongings, relationships, walls, and the Temple…are restored in the Bible. I love it when Job’s friends think that his problems stem from sin. If only they could see like we do that Job’s tribulations exist because of Satan’s attack…not Job’s sin or attitude. At one point Job’s friend Eliphaz just tells him to straighten out his life.

If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored—so clean up your life. Job 22:23

Has there been a time in your life when you have had something restored? Did you ask God for help…for that restoration? Or did you see God at work in that change? Was there a person…a friend…who helped you in reestablishing a relationship, like Jesus did in reinstating mankind’s relationship—individually and corporately—with God? What a friend we have in Jesus. Are you a friend like that to someone…or is someone a friend like that to you? Like Job’s friend said…return to the Almighty. Make sure your relationship with God is in good condition. Then as Paul wrote to the church at Rome…now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Rejoice—celebrate your relationship with God.

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank you for restoring to me the joy of Your salvation, and helping me to be willing to obey You. Psalm 51:12.

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 4-6

© 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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Only 38 Days Until Christmas

Beloved…Love One Another

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

Years ago my daughter sang this scripture in a kids’ drama “Psalty” at the Sheppard Air Force Base Chapel in Wichita Falls, Texas. Memorizing scripture to music is such a good idea and the kids didn’t even realize that was what they were doing as they sang the songs for the musical. It was a fun story—encouraging love and acceptance while it was teaching children how to worship Jesus from their hearts. Such a good faith building experience…and my daughter sings those same songs with her children now.

Beloved, let us love one another....

The Heart of Love

What is more important than love? Nothing. Love is the most important thing in life—and God is love. I remember my Mom telling me that…God is love. She was a loving person—showing God’s love by caring about others. Listening and loving. How do you show your love to others? If you’ve read or heard of the book The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell you know that we each feel and show love in five basic ways, thus the five languages. Physical Touch. Words of Affirmation. Quality Time. Gifts. Acts of Service. These can be applied to adults, children and teens.

We learn love from our family and friends…and this is a time of the year that we are thankful for them and for God…for everything.

Dear brothers and sisters, we can't help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, You are my Lord and Savior. Open the doors of opportunities for me to share Your Good News with others in my community and my neighborhood. I know I can do all things through You—as You give me strength. Philippians 4:13. In addition…let me think of ways to motivate myself and others to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24.

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 1-3

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Only 39 Days Until Christmas. Time to start thinking about Fruit Cake! Years ago I made a fruitcake that had to be soaked in brandy for 60 days. It was very strong! I don’t think I ever tried that again…ever.

My Mom always made fruitcake cookies at Christmas time—mostly I think for her friends and bridge club, but for my Dad, too. He really enjoyed them. A few years ago I was going through her recipe cards and found her recipe…a bit yellowed and stained with age. Here it is for you to try out…and enjoy if you like fruitcake.

Fruitcake Cookies

4 cups flour, sifted

1 tsp soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup vegetable shortening

2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 eggs

2/3 cup buttermilk or sour milk

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup candied cherries, cut in quarters

2 cups dates, cut up

2   4-oz cans (1 cup) candied fruits and peels

Red or green candied cherries as garnish (optional)

Mix flour, soda and salt. (Mom sifted again—but just stir together well.) In another bowl cream shortening, add sugar and eggs. Beat until light and fluffy. Add buttermilk and flour. Add nuts, cherries, dated and candied fruit. Mix well. Chill dough for several hours.

Drop by teaspoonfuls about 2 inches apart on lightly greased (or parchment covered) cookie sheet. Top each cookie with a half of candied cherry. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 – 10 minutes. Make 8 dozen cookies.

© 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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Only 39 Days Until Christmas

Remember…Do Good

Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 3 John 1:11

Headed for Heaven

Do good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children. But consider that it isn’t by doing good that one becomes a child of God—it is by believing in God—in Jesus as the Son of God….and as the Savior.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. 1 John 5:1

But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. John 20:31

For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past…. Romans 3:25

Being good won’t get anyone into heaven--into God's presence. Where are you headed? How will you get there?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus—I believe in You as the Son of God and as my personal Savior. I am a child of God. Help me to be good….

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 24; John 20-21

Only 40 days until Christmas

© 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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Greet Your Friends

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2

This epistle was written by John to a young Christian named Gaius. Paul, Peter and John, usually address their letters to their friends or particular churches expressing their love and respect for them. Different translations give us Dear friend…beloved…my little children....

Three John ends as it began…addressing friends—passing on greetings.

Dancing for Joy dear friend.
God knows my name!

Peace be with you. Your friends here send you their greetings. Please give my personal greetings to each of our friends there. 3 John 1:15

Friends greeting friends. It was important then…and it is just as important now to greet fellow Christians. Warm greetings make a person feel welcome and even loved. Love is a basic human emotion that is life giving. Once again I think of the study done for several months with new born infants—some of whom were carried around continually and others that were left untouched in their cribs. The untouched ones failed to strive and even to survive. Touch is important…as is personal recognition. Greet the friends by name. 3 John 1:14. People like to hear their name—like to be addressed personally. Using a person’s name tells them that you remember them, care about them and show respect for them. Just think how you feel when someone doesn’t remember your name…or even worse, calls you by the wrong name! My mother used to call my sister and I by each other’s name…and then Mom would use her sister’s name when she was really frustrated. Has that ever happened to you? I had a friend years ago who had seven children—four boys and three girls. She had the girls trained to do whatever chore she asked when she said, “Mary, would you please….” They all answered to “Mary” which was a wonderful thing for my friend…and whichever girl was in the room…or closest would respond to the request.

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2

Dear friend—as you read this I do hope and trust that everything is going well for you—that you and your family are healthy. Good health…being healthy…is so important for success in oir jobs and relationships. Being spiritual healthy is essential in maintaining a good relationship with God…and with your neighbor. How is your spiritual health?

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your glorious plan of redemption and salvation. We look forward to our resurrection…to be like Jesus. Thank You for calling each of us by our names.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 28; Mark 16

Happy Birthday, Lucy!

© 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.

Follow And Like "Banquet With The King" on Facebook. 👍