Continue to Trust...and Carry Your Walking Stick

Memory Verse this week…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Jesus had a plan…and a pathway for His disciples. Only take a walking stick.

And he called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits. He told them to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no food, no traveler's bag, no money. He allowed them to wear sandals but not to take a change of clothes. "Wherever you go," he said, "stay in the same house until you leave town. But if any place refuses to welcome you or listen to you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate." So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil. Mark 6:7-13 

Don’t take anything except a walking stick. No food…no extra clothes…no money. Can’t I just take a snack? No…NO FOOD. Go. Jesus told them to do what He would do. He told them what path to follow.

Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Don't take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don't carry a traveler's bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed. Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. Matthew 10:7-11 (Underline for emphasis.)

They had to rely on the generosity of their hosts. But those disciples were healing folks…so there were probably some grateful people among the communities that they visited. When you receive something—you want to give. Jesus knew that people would want to give the disciples clothes, sandals, food, and a place to stay. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed. They deserved to be fed.

When was the last time you hosted someone in your home…a missionary or student group. It has been several years for us, but we don’t have many missionary or music groups visit our area. It has been five years since we went to help a missionary in Portugal establish a coffee house, ConCafe, in a former church building. It turned out to be a great coffee house!

Watch a video about it… https://vimeo.com/231522621.

Update: work on the apartment for volunteers has been completed!

Please continue to pray: Arise-Shine-Portugal  Isaiah  60:1

My husband, Jerry, and I didn’t actually do much of the real work involved since Jerry fell and broke his hip on our second day there. We saw the four walls of his hospital room…and then stayed for a week at a local hotel while he received physical therapy. His surgeon was the greatest hip surgeon in Portugal, Dr. Pinto, and Jerry had a terrific physical therapist, Magdalena, who actually taught him basically how to walk again. We can certainly say that the hospitality of the Portuguese people was genuinely kind and good. The ConCafe happened without us—and is doing well in meeting the spiritual needs of the Merces community. God had a great idea in establishing the ConCafe there. He is there—just as He was with the disciples that Jesus sent out. God is with you…wherever you are. Just take your walking stick.

Prayer ~ Jesus…just as You sent out Your disciples…here am I—send me…into my neighborhood, my community. There are people in need of a smile, encouragement and Your love right here. We don’t have to go half-way round the world to minister to other for You. Here am I…send me—I’ve got great walking sticks ready to go.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 50, 53, 60, 75

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Watch what foods you put into your mouth. There are millions of taste buds across your tongue that can identify bitter, sweet, sour or other tasty things.

As the disciples went out do you suppose that they remembered when Jesus fed 5,000 men with just a few loaves of bread, maybe flat bread, and a couple of fish (Matthew 14:15-21)?  Do you think with the bread and the fish people may have made little fish sandwiches? Maybe Fish Tacos? Wrong country…but similar tastes.

Fish Taco - Great Friday Supper

Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa  - serves 4

Mango Salsa

1 cup chopped fresh mango – about one large mango or a couple of smaller ones

3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (substitute parsley, if preferred)

¼ large red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped – use more or less to taste

1 fresh lime, squeezed

Combine all ingredients and chill about an hour before serving.

Fish Tacos

1 pound fresh caught rockfish, halibut or other firm white fish

1 tsp olive oil

8 fresh corn tortillas

1 cup cabbage finely shredded, can be red or green cabbage, or a mixture

1 can white or black beans, rinsed

1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

1 fresh lime, cut in wedges

Drizzle olive oil on fish and grill on a hot grill for about 8 minutes per side, until done. Meanwhile, warm corn tortillas for 5-10 minutes in a 350 degree oven or on a skillet until the tortillas are pliable. Layer fish, beans, salsa, and cabbage in warm tortillas. Top with sour cream or yogurt and a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish with salsa and more cilantro.

[Reused and revised from May 2018.]

© 2019 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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Trust That The Lord Will Show You the Right Path

Memory Verse this week…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Is this the right path?
This road goes through the semi-desert area of Eli, NV.

Which path? Make your decision…but follow the Lord. Let Him show you the path to take.

Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11

Just as God spoke through Moses before the children of Israel entered the Promised Land…we can claim the same promise today. We have a choice to choose between life and death…blessings and curses.

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:19-20

Day by day…moment by moment we make choices. Some of those choices could be life altering. I personally, like Joshua, have chosen to serve the Lord—to honor Him with my life.

But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15

To me serving the Lord begins with reading and studying my Bible to learn as much as possible about God, and specifically about Jesus’ life. It means loving others like Jesus did…sharing what I have physically and spiritually, caring about others—no matter who they are. Writing this is convicting because I realize that I don’t totally do this. I share when and where I can…but I don’t give money to the guy begging at the grocery store parking lot. I’ve heard he drives a fancy car. I give discriminatingly. Where is the path that God wants me following on this? I trust God to show me—and I listen to that still small voice of the Holy Spirit to guide me in making the right decision—moment by moment.

Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose. Psalm 25:12

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I realize that I become the slave of whatever I choose to obey? I can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or I can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:16. I choose to obey You…You are my God, my King, and my Messiah. Show me Your path…and Your way of life.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18

© 2019 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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Seek God and His Will

Memory Verse this week…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

In another translation, which I memorized years ago says…In all your ways acknowledge Him…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NASB

.

Is acknowledging Him and seek his will in all you do…the same? 

Are you looking for light?

Give glory to the LORD your God before it is too late. Acknowledge him before he brings darkness upon you, causing you to stumble and fall on the darkening mountains. For then, when you look for light, you will find only terrible darkness and gloom. Jeremiah 13:16

Jesus lived to do God’s will—His Father’s work. That should be our goal in life also. Jesus said…

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 6:38-40

Don't believe me unless I carry out my Father's work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don't believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father. John 10:37-38

I feel this as an admonishment to carry out God’s work. That is what Jesus expects of us as described in these verses of judgment.

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Matthew 25:34-36

Here’s good advice given to the Israelites in Judah by the prophet Zephaniah.

Seek the LORD, all who are humble, and follow his commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the LORD will protect you--protect you from his anger on that day of destruction. Zephaniah 2:3

So these scripture passages are encouraging us to seek God and His will for our lives…humbly day by day acknowledging Him in all that we do.

Prayer ~ Lord God… I seek first the Kingdom of God above all else, and want to live righteously and humbly, acknowledging that You provide everything I need. Matthew 6:33

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 25, 29, 33, 36, 39

© 2019 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 Wisdom and Understanding of Solomon Are For You

Memory Verse this week…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Understanding. One of the greatest examples in the Bible of someone with understanding is King Solomon, son of King David. God gave him great wisdom and understanding…an understanding heart.

That night the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, "What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!" Solomon replied, "You showed faithful love to your servant my father, David, because he was honest and true and faithful to you. And you have continued your faithful love to him today by giving him a son to sit on his throne. "Now, O LORD my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn't know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?" The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. So God replied, "Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice and have not asked for a long life or wealth or the death of your enemies-- I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have! 1 Kings 3:5-12

The Lord is my shepherd.
Sheep grazing in Israel.
God provides them with green pastures.

Jesus promised to give us anything that we ask for in His name in order to bring glory to the Father. Glory – glory - glory. Glory be to the Father…and to the Son…and to the Holy Spirit.

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. John 14:13

Solomon asked for wisdom. In the book of James we are promised that if we need wisdom, just ask for it…we too will receive it.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

I like to think that God likes to give us what we need. He is generous. The Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need. Psalm 23:1. He likes for us to depend on Him. He will provide. Trust Him. Do you have faith that He will provide?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus…give us faith like the man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. He prayed to You, God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!" And You granted him his request.1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Give us wisdom and understanding.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 6-7, 1 Chronicles 17

© 2019 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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Who Do You Trust?

Memory Verse this week…

Pacific Coast Trail
Near Highway 210 - Washington State
Is this the right path for you?
Trust the Lord to show you.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust is a big issue with a lot of people. Who can you really trust? Family? Friends? Neighbors? Co-workers? Strangers? Your own decisions? Often it depends on the situation. Are you reaching out to help someone…like a homeless person…and just don’t know if you can trust them? They are probably feeling the same way. Can they trust you? In all that we do we know that we can trust in the Lord. If we are doing what He wants us to do, then we can be assured that it is the right thing. Just trust Him. There are lots of verses to remind us of His promises about Trust.

Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. ... For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land. Psalm 37:3, 9

Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Hebrews 10:35

The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7

The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.” Psalm 91:14

Do any of these verses speak to your heart? Can you experience more trust in your relationship with the Lord? I find new strength…knowing that as I trust the Lord—I will not faint. I’ve been dealing with some health issues that make me a little weak sometimes. But I know that the Lord is my strength—and He does give me joy. I’m trusting Him to protect even the inner workings of my body…and when the time comes for this life to be over I know and trust that the Lord has a plan and a great reward for the future for me and for all of us. As our Pastor reminded us yesterday…we don’t have to wait for a “someday” heaven experience. It starts immediately when we accept Christ as our Savior. Trust Him. Enjoy heaven on earth…now.  Rejoice…find joy in your relationship with God and with others.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I trust in You with all my heart…and find not only new strength, but Your protection. Thank you for creating heaven…right here for us now. Please continue to bless me, my family, friends, neighbors and all those reading this blog. Give us Your peace and wisdom as we follow the road or path that You show us.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 89, 96,100-101, 105, 132

© 2019 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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Who Is This Man?

Memory Verse this week…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Rescued From the Storm

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to drown?" When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Silence! Be still!" Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" The disciples were absolutely terrified. "Who is this man?" they asked each other. "Even the wind and waves obey him!"  Mark 4:35-41

Ancient Boat excavated from the Sea of Galilee

Very much afraid…absolutely terrified. That is how the disciples were feeling as their boat tossed about on the Sea of Galilee. Have you ever been that afraid? Afraid that you were going to die? They were headed for "the other side"—the Gentile area. Should there be cause for fear there, too?

David wrote a Psalm about being afraid. Why should we be afraid? Trust. Trust in the Lord who will protect each of us from danger—whether it is from a raging storm or a mortal enemy.

The LORD is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Psalm 27:1

For several years I’ve wondered why Christians are so afraid to die. Why do you think that is? We know that we will rest…and go to heaven one day to spend eternity with Jesus. So what is that fear all about? Do we not trust the Lord to take care of us? Do we have some doubt that we really will go to heaven? Are we so attached to this world…family, friends, worldly possessions…that we don’t want to let go of our life here to go onto the next dimension? If the wind and waves can obey Jesus…why can’t I? I for one am ready to go on to the next adventure towards eternity. How about you? Are you secure in your faith in Jesus that you can trust Him to take care of you whether it is storms or evil people? No fear?

In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free. The --LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?  Psalm 118:5-6

Storms on the oceans…or stormy relationships—the Lord can defend and rescue you.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus…you said... "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30. I give You my burdens and my fears. Thank You for rescuing me from the turmoils and storms of life.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 1-2, 15, 22-24, 47, 68

© 2019 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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The Other Side

Memory Verse this week…

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:21 NLT

So they arrived at the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from a cemetery to meet him. This man lived among the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain. Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones. When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. With a shriek, he screamed, "Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don't torture me!" For Jesus had already said to the spirit, "Come out of the man, you evil spirit." Then Jesus demanded, "What is your name?" And he replied, "My name is Legion, because there are many of us inside this man." Then the evil spirits begged him again and again not to send them to some distant place. Mark 5:1-10

Crossing to the Other Side of the Sea of Galilee
Israel

In studying this passage over the years I’ve been impressed with the distinct separation here between the Jews and Gentiles. The Jews, considering the Gentiles and their ways to be evil, did not want to enter into their territory. That would make them impure and they would have to go through their ritual cleansing. Jesus was obviously not concerned with being around unclean people. He came to minister to and heal the sick—physically, mentally and above all spiritually. He had to cross the Sea of Galilee to get to this Gentile area of Gerasenes. Note that this passage doesn’t say “Jesus and the disciples” got out of the boat, only that Jesus climbed out of the boat. Where were the disciples? They were still IN THE BOAT. The possessed man came to meet Jesus—so we can presume that the disciples could see and hear Jesus’ encounter with this possessed man. Were the disciples afraid to get out of the boat? Did Jesus tell them to stay in the boat…like parents sometimes tell their kiddos to “stay in the car”? We don’t know about if Jesus gave instructions to His disciples.…but we do know that there were bunches of evil spirits in that man…not just one…and they recognized Jesus as the Son of the Most High God. If evil spirits can recognize Jesus as God, why can people see Him for who He is?

Jesus called those spirits out of the man. Right there, right then. He was focused on the man…and

helping him. Cleansing him from the evil spirits in him. The evil spirits just did not want to be tortured—or as the Greek word tiva is also translated…tormented. They knew about tormenting. That is just what they had been doing in that poor man they were possessing. Funny thing is they did not want the same treatment or to be sent to some distant place or country…like maybe hell. They begged—not just asked—but begged Jesus…recognizing His power to send them wherever He wanted or to just destroy them. But Jesus, being the merciful God that He is, did not destroy them. Read on for yourself in the following verses (see tomorrow’s blog). What happens to those who are evil?  Evil is all around us. We are in the midst of a spiritual battle.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 NASB (Underlining mine, for emphasis)

Put on your spiritual armor every day. Remember that Jesus and the Holy Spirit in you is a greater force—more powerful than any evil spirit that may attack you.

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world's viewpoint, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception. 1 John 4:4-6

Rely on the Lord for the security He provides…remembering how He loved that possessed Gentile man enough to cross to the other side to break him out of bondage to those evil spirits.                                                                         

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus ~ Open our eyes so that we can see people as You see them…and that You can minister to them through us. It is scary to think that there are evil spirits around us—but we know that You are greater than anyone or anything else. Thank You for Your love—from the way You crossed the Sea of Galilee for that possessed man and for going to the cross for us all.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 13-16 

© 2019 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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No Pork

Memory Verse this week…

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:21 NLT

There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding on the hillside nearby. "Send us into those pigs," the spirits begged. "Let us enter them." So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of about 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. The herdsmen fled to the nearby town and the surrounding countryside, spreading the news as they ran. People rushed out to see what had happened.  Mark 5:11-14

Sweet Liberty's Piggy
Did this little pig go to market...or into the lake?

At Gerasernes Jesus had commanded the evil spirits to come out of a demon possessed man (Mark 5:8). So then the spirits asked…begged….Jesus to send them into the pigs that were feeding on the hillside. Little did they know that would be the end of them as they ran over the hillside into the great Sea of Galilee. Glub—glub—glub. I thought maybe pigs can’t swim, but Google that and sure enough you’ll see that they can swim. Those near Gerasernes were in such a turmoil—and there were probably about two thousand pigs in that herd—that they may not have been able to escape the crowd and so they drowned. Imagine how devastated the pig owners and herders were. Two thousand pigs is a lot of pigs. Since that was a Gentile area the swine would have been an important food source. On the other hand, Jews would not have eaten them according to the Jewish dietary laws.

The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron concerning foods that the Israelites could and could not eat. The unclean animals…not appropriate to eat…are listed in the verses below.

You may not, however, eat the following animals that have split hooves or that chew the cud, but not both. The camel chews the cud but does not have split hooves, so it is ceremonially unclean for you. The hyrax (rock badger)chews the cud but does not have split hooves, so it is unclean. The hare chews the cud but does not have split hooves, so it is unclean. The pig has evenly split hooves but does not chew the cud, so it is unclean. You may not eat the meat of these animals or even touch their carcasses. They are ceremonially unclean for you. Leviticus 11:4-8 (underlined for emphasis.)

From that time of teaching the Israelites have not eaten pork—and even some Christians follow the laws given to Moses and will not eat pork. Later God gives Peter a vision of foods that could be eaten.

The next day as Cornelius's messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice said to him, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat them." "No, Lord," Peter declared. "I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean." But the voice spoke again: "Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean." The same vision was repeated three times. Then the sheet was suddenly pulled up to heaven. Acts 10:9-16

We can see in both the Old and New Testaments instruction given for dietary guidance—foods forbidden and allowed.  I personally don’t have a problem with eating pork—but I would not serve it to Jewish guests. I think that God wants us to respect others dietary habits. That could be part of love your neighbor as yourself.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, allow us to see others through Your eyes—those around us who may have suffered a loss—even if it is not two thousand pigs. Help us to be compassionate to others and considerate of others so that we can show Your love to any who would be our neighbor for a few minutes—like in the line at the grocery store—or a few days or weeks—like those in a short class or work situation…or many years—like those next door. Give us grace to see their needs and let them know we care.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 106-107

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. What food gives you fuel? I’ve discovered that sugar is poison to my body and starches, like pasta and potatoes, are not my friends. I can exist very well on some fruit, veggies and a nice lean portion of meat—nothing deep fried. What would Jesus eat? No pork. Probably some hummus with unleavened bread, some figs—in season of course—or some raisins or dates, and some fish—if a little boy with fish left over from his lunch happens to be nearby. But you never read of Jesus eating pork. Here’s a favorite no pork dish.

Curried Chicken Salad

1 lb chicken (cut into tender-sized pieces, breasts work best)

2 tbsps olive oil (plus more for searing)

1½  tsps curry powder

1½t sps ground cumin

1 tsp turmeric

¾ cup plain yogurt

½ cup hummus (prepared)

1 apple (small, diced)

½ cup golden raisins

2 scallions (thinly sliced)

salt

pepper

Mix together curry powder, cumin, and turmeric in a medium-sized bowl. In a container or gallon sized plastic bag, add chicken, olive oil, ½ spice mixture, plenty of salt and pepper, and ¼ cup yogurt. Stir or shake to coat, and marinate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight).

Grill chicken or cook in a frying pan.

Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a cast-iron or other heavy skillet. Sear chicken until cooked through, approximately 5 minutes on each side (depending on size). Remove chicken from skillet and place to cool on a cutting board for approximately 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add to the remaining spices, ½ cup each plain yogurt and hummus, the diced apple, the raisins, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

When chicken has cooled a bit, shred meat with two forks into bite-sized pieces.

Add chicken to bowl and stir to combine. Refrigerate overnight before eating for best results.

Serve on salad greens or in a pita with lettuce or spinach.

Note - You can use already cooked chicken meat if you want- just skip to the other steps and use all of the spices when mixing the chicken salad, instead of reserving some for the marinade.

© 2019 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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Take Courage

Memory Verse this week…

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:21 NLT

And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, "Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:2

And Jesus stopped and said, "Call him here." So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you." Mark 10:49

Here are two examples of people about to be healed being told to “take courage.” Taking courage in obedience. Interestingly enough, one was spoken by Jesus, and one by His disciples. What does that tell us? That we need to tell others to “take courage.” Encourage them—and be encouraged also. Jesus cares about us as He cared about the sick during His time. Another interesting note is that the word “encourage” has “courage” within it. En-as a prefix means to cause…so encourage means to cause to have courage! Just think about it. When you are encouraged, someone is helping you to have courage to do something…and likewise when you encourage others you are helping them have courage to do or face some situation. Remarkable thing about the English language and God’s word in this word “en-courage”; intertwined to facilitate courage in our lives.

Take courage. Talk with your children or grandchildren about what it means to “take courage” and give them some examples of ways times that they may need courage in their lives: first day of school, moving to a new community, walking in a scary neighborhood or dark place—even if not alone, being confronted by a bully, riding a scary ride at an amusement park, or walking by a barking dog—even if he is behind a fence or on a leash.  Encourage your children to be courageous. Take them on a walk where they have to walk across a log or set up an obstacle course in your yard that will require some courage for them to complete. Praise them for their courageous efforts.

Be courageous.
Bloom where you are planted...
or take flight as a new creature in the Lord.

Lord Jesus, just as you have taught us we will take courage because we know that our strength comes from You.… O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! Psalm 68:35 NASB

(Recycled from May 2, 2013 Banquet With The King blog.)

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 133

© 2019 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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Walk in Obedience

Memory Verse this week…

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." John 14:21 NLT

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 1:6 NIV

Hiking near Parker, Arizona
Walking a path of obedience

Walk in obedience as you travel along your life’s path. Where are you walking? It does matter where we go and it is imperative that we go in obedience to the Lord. God wants us to walk in love…and to be headed towards Him, not away from Him. Not every path will lead us to live, prosper and prolong our days here in God’s land…where we are until He returns or we die, but the choice is our—where we walk, with whom we walk and why we walk at all.

Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. Deuteronomy 5:33 NIV

Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him. Psalm 128:1 NIV

The key word seems to be obedience. Obey is listed 338 times in the Bible. That is a word that Jesus was not only personally familiar with in His relationship to our Father, uses it to encourage those who follow Him. Obey…

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them."  John 14:21

How are you walking…where are you going…with whom do you walk?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You want us to be like You…obedient. Reveal Yourself to us in ways we don’t expect it…and help us to walk obediently in Your footsteps…even if it means we have a cross to bear.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 5, 1 Chronicles 11-12

© 2019 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. 👍