Delight in His Word and His Food

Meditate on this verse:

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 NASB

…his delight is in the law of the LORD…. Delight. In what do you delight? What do you desire, crave, or long for?

            Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires. Psalm 37:4

The law of the Lord—considered to be the Ten Commandments and the commands given to the Israelites in the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch. Jesus spoke about those books and His mission.

Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Matthew 5:17-18 NASB

Paul also wrote about the law…and we can identify with his writing today, but note his answer. It is mine too. Jesus Christ our Lord.

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7:24-25

Paul continues in Romans to write about the law, faith and love.

Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law. Romans 3:31

Owe nothing to anyone--except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.… Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. Romans 13:8, 10

I just love to spend time reading and meditating on God’s word, focusing on loving God and others, as well as myself. How about you? What is your heart’s desire?

Prayer ~ Lord God, O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today…. Nehemiah 1:11

Daily Bible Reading: Daniel 1-3

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Artichoke blossom in my son's garden. Beautiful!

It is artichoke season! September to May. You can find them on sale at your local supermarket.

What? You say you’ve NEVER cooked or eaten artichokes? Ahhh. They are my family's favorite and besides, they are healthy. They increase flow of bile from the liver, so that means they help flush toxins out of your system and increase fat digestion. That may help with lowering cholesterol. They also contain high levels of inulin (Google that) that helps to slow sugar release into the bloodstream. Artichokes also are a good source of dietary fiber, folate, as well as vitamins C and K.

There are so many seemingly small advantages to lots of different vegetable—so it is good to eat a variety of foods. Give the globe or French artichoke a try. It is simple to cook and can be eaten cold or warm, served with mayonnaise, French dressing, vinaigrette, hot melted butter or Hollandaise sauce.

When you are shopping, choose artichokes that are tight. In the garden you’ll see a beautiful bloom—like the photo that my son, Mike, took of those in his garden. You’ll probably never see a blossom in the grocery store. To prepare the artichokes to eat begin to bring a large pot of water to boil, adding about a teaspoon of salt, a couple of chopped cloves of garlic and the juice of half a lemon. Meanwhile, cut off the tips of the leaves—and cut across the entire top of the artichoke. Cut the stem off even with the bottom of the leaves. No need to tie the leaves together—just pop the artichoke into the water. When the water is boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook the artichokes for 30 to 40 minutes or until you can easily pull off a leaf and the bottom is tender. Remove the artichokes from the water with a slotted spoon and place upside down to drain.

Eating artichokes is a social time with usually two people sharing an artichoke. There is plenty of time for conversation as you dip the artichoke leaf by leaf into the sauce or butter of your choice and scrape the meat of the inner leaf off with your bottom teeth. Only one scrape per leaf. When you get to the center, the “choke,” take a spoon and scrape out the fuzzy choke and just discard it. It is not eatable. Then smear some sauce or mayo on the heart, cut it up, especially if you are sharing it, and enjoy that tasty morsel. Remember what a good thing you are doing for your body…and your taste buds. Enjoy.

© 2019 Text by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Think about These Things

Meditate on this verse:

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 NASB

It is important to read and study scripture in context so that there can be understanding and so the scripture is not distorted. So here is this verse in context:

A Tree Planted by the Water.
Israeli Kibbutz

How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:1-6 NASB

Sometime memorizing is beyond a person’s ability—so just meditate on His word. Focus. Repeat the verse over and over. Ask yourself: how does the verse apply to my life? Think on it.

Anyone who walks the way Jesus walks…not in the counsel of the wicked; stands with the righteous—not with the sinners; and sits in the seat alongside those who are positive and encouraging—not the scoffers, is blessed. How does one learn about walking with Jesus, being righteous or encouraging others? The best way is to know God’s word.

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. Psalm 119:27

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don't give up on me! ... I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. LORD, don't let me be put to shame! Psalm 119:1-8, 25-31

Meditate. Think on these things. Are you meditating on God’s word today?

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for You in this parched and weary land where there is no water. ... I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You and on Your Word through the night. Psalm 63:1, 6

Daily Bible Reading: Joel

© 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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A Promise For A New Home

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

Have you memorized this verse?

In My Father's house are many dwelling places;

if it were not so, I would have told you;

for I go to prepare a place for you.

If I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again and receive you to Myself,

that where I am, there you may be also.

John 14:2-3 NASB

This is not our forever home.
Look for a new home with the address:
HEAVEN.

What an assurance! We won’t be left to rot in the grave forever. There is an eternal life…and our souls go on to live forever…forever in a new body with Jesus in Heaven. We really don’t know much about heaven, although we can glean a few facts…there is no darkness, for glory of the Lord provides the light where the streets are paved with gold, the walls are made of jewels adorned with pearls and two great thrones where God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are seated. A river of life will flow through the new city of Jerusalem and there will be wonderful fruit trees. You can read more in the last chapter of the book of Revelation which reveals details of the new city that Jesus is creating. In that city there will be a place for each believer. Jesus has promised…and He always keeps His promises.

For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The LORD always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. Psalm 145:13  

It may be hard for us to keep promises—but Jesus always keeps His.

Prayer ~ Thank You, Jesus, for always keeping Your promises, especially Your promise for a new home with You. “In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3 NASB

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 46-48

© 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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Pause and Remember 9/11

Do You Want To Go There?

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

…that where I am, there you may be also. Some people may wonder where Jesus is. Didn’t He die? So isn’t He in a grave…somewhere? No. Unlike other religious figures, Jesus is not in a grave somewhere. The very heart of Christianity is that Jesus is risen from the dead. Read His resurrection account in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. Jesus Christ is risen…He is risen indeed. But the record of His life doesn’t end there. He ascended into Heaven.

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. Mark 16:19

The Rainbow reminds us of God's Promises.
Claim this one: where I am you may be also.

So there it is. There Jesus is in Heaven, seated at God’s right hand, just waiting for God the Father to tell Him that the house is ready so He can go get His bride. What an exciting adventure we have ahead of us—those of us who believe. Jesus said…that where I am, there you may be also. Do you want to go there…to Heaven…and be with Jesus?

Prayer ~ Lord, I want to be part of that crowd of people surrounding Your throne one day…shouting, "Praise the LORD! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God." Revelation 19:1. Let it be.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 43-45

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Listen for the Shofar

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

…and receive you to Myself…. Jesus Christ is the Savior who will return for His church with the sound of a trumpet and a physical transformation will take place.

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. Philippians 3:20-21

Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 NASB

That trumpet sound will likely be like the sound that Jericho heard when shortly before their walls came tumbling down.

Now Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD. The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually, and blew the trumpets; and the armed men went before them and the rear guard came after the ark of the LORD, while they continued to blow the trumpets. Thus the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp; they did so for six days. Then on the seventh day they rose early at the dawning of the day and marched around the city in the same manner seven times; only on that day they marched around the city seven times. At the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city." Joshua 6:12-16 NASB

Listen for the Shofar calling from Heaven.

The trumpets that the priests used after they marched around Jericho sounding were not the brass trumpets we think of today. Those trumpets were actually ram’s horns—known as shofar. The shofar has a piercing sound…and as I understand, they are not easy to blow. Things worth doing are not always easy…but they are worth doing right—doing it God’s way. When God told Joshua to march around the city of Jericho…for six days and then seven times on the seventh day, Joshua was obedient. He was a good leader and example for the Israelites. They started off in the Promised Land as obedient to God. What happened? Rebellion.

Those Israelites really needed to follow God’s laws, teachings and feasts or Holy Days. One of those Feasts occurs at the Jewish New Year is called the Feast of Trumpets—where the blowing of the shofar is essential in calling the people to repentance. God gives the Jews a chance to repent and that repentance sets them right with God and with others. Relationship is what life is all about. Relationship to each other and relationship to God. Just like the Israelites, we need God’s guidance, too.

How are you doing with that? Look closely inside yourself. How are your relationships to others and to God? Look. Then listen for the shofar—calling everyone to repentance.

Prayer ~ Lord, help me to see myself and others the way that You see me…and see my relationship to other people. I want to do things right…to live in a way that pleases You. I can only do that when I surrender my own will to You. I can do all things through You, Christ, as You give me strength (Philippians 4:13). I want to be ready when You come to receive Your church to Yourself…to Heaven.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 40-42

Happy Anniversary, Lisa & Kim.

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Are You Spiritually Ready?

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

…I will come again….

In another translation:

There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. John 14:2-3 NLT

We know He is coming back. What a great promise that is given to us over and over.

Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. John 14:28

We don't know the hour or the day.
Be ready.

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28

Be ready. Actually, Jesus told us to do that.

You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Luke 12:40

Are you spiritually ready?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You promised that You will not abandon us as orphans—You will come to us. John 14:18. We praise You and look forward to seeing You and going to live with You forever. 

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 37-39

Happy Anniversary, Joe & Deb.

Blessings and love.

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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If I Go...A New Home

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

Will our Heavenly Home be as elegant as this building?
Budapest, Hungary Capital Building.

If I go and prepare a place for you…. If I go…not when, but if. We know that Jesus did leave Jerusalem, so we know that Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us. We just have to trust Him and His promise. He has gone to prepare a place for us. What more do we need to know?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, bless me…and all who read this…with Your peace. Help us not to be troubled with situations around us…fires, smoke fill air, hurricanes, earthquakes and political disturbances, but give us strength and peace with hope for the future.  An eternal future with You.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 34-36

© 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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I Go to Prepare A Place

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

… for I go to prepare a place for you. Prepare…build…a place for you. Remember the Jewish custom of the bridegroom building onto his father’s house. That Bridegroom is Jesus and the church is His Bride. Jesus was telling His disciples that He was going to prepare a place in heaven for them. That declaration is for all believers throughout all time. That means that a lot of heavenly homes to be prepared. We can only dream what our new “home” in heaven will be like. Considering the glorious creation that God has done so far, we can anticipate truly awesome homes…or domiciles built just for us.

Will there be a home for you in Heaven? Are you a child of God? Do you know what Jesus has done for you…sacrificing Himself on the cross over two thousand years ago for your sin? Believe, repent, praise and exalt Him. There will be a home waiting for you as a place to reside in Heaven where we will be worshiping the Lord Jesus on His Throne.   

Fresh Grapes
Heavenly Food

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, we praise You, LORD! You are the Lord our God, the Almighty. You reign victorious. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us honor You. We wait expectantly for the time to come for the wedding feast of the Lamb and Your bride, who has prepared herself. Revelation 19:6-7

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 31-33

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Eat some fresh grapes. This is a time of grape harvest—the ones growing on the fence between us and our neighbor are particularly good this year. Grapes are one of those healthy foods for protecting and maintaining heart health—especially the red and purple varieties. They are known to reduce the oxidization of LDL cholesterol, reducing inflammation in the lining of the arteries. Grape juice and wine from those grapes are good…but the best value for arteries and skin is just to eat them whole and fresh. Enjoy!

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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God Does Not Lie

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

… if it were not so, I would have told you…

Jesus is honest…He cannot lie.

I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God--who does not lie--promised them before the world began. Titus 1:1-2

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews 6:18

                                                                                                                   

There’s a place for each believer in Heaven. Jesus assured us that He is going to prepare a place for each of us. He is truthful and honest…we can trust Him. His promises are true.

God's way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalm 18:30

Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. Romans 15:8

Old Testament and New Testament promises are the same and as such trustworthy. His promises continue to the end of the Bible. John wrote this message in Revelation.

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true." And he also said, "It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega--the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children. Revelation 21:3-7

Stones used to press olives into oil.
Anoint my head with oil.
Truth and Life. I trust You, Lord God.

God will take care of His children. He will provide for us. He will care for us.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6

Prayer~ Jesus…my brother, my Savior, friend, creator,  sustainer, protector and provider. You are my everything. You are everlasting, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. I continually praise Your name and humbly bow before You and the Heavenly Father. My Abba Father. I trust You and Your promises. You do not lie.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 28-30

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Many Dwelling Places?

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

Ruins in Israel

In My Father's house are many dwelling places…. Will this be like an apartment house? Many “dwelling” places packed tight together? In photos of ancient ruins in Israel you can see one house with rooms tacked on. From the description of Israel’s custom of adding rooms to the father’s or parent’s home for their son and his wife, that is just what it is like. A little apartment added onto the main house. With streets of gold I can imagine that no expenses will be spared in preparing nice homes. I guess that is why it has taken over two thousand years to prepare a place for us. Each day that passes more people accept Christ as their Savior, so more rooms have to be added. This could take a while, but God has a plan and it will be fulfilled in His timing, not ours. Trust Him. Have patience. That word had reared its ugly head again. Patience. We just have to Trust God. There is nothing we can do to speed up the process. Trust and wait…patiently.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I wait patiently to hear that sound of the trumpet…calling me to my eternal home—one of the many dwelling places in Your house. In the meantime, may my life bring You glory. Thank you for the Holy Spirit—who gives me guidance, strength and hope.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 25-27

© 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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Let the Banquet Begin

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

As always we must look at the verse in context. Jesus was speaking to His disciples just after they’d eaten the Last Supper Passover meal before His arrest and ultimately His death.

Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going." "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:1-6

Is this our new house?
Zebra and sheep in Tel Aviv, Israel.

When everything is ready…when will that be? Only God the Father knows. In the meantime, don’t worry. No worries. No troubles. Just trust the Lord God. The Heavenly Father, like the bridegroom’s father, will decide when the new home is ready for the bridegroom and his wife. Then there will be a great celebration! Hurrah!

Has anyone ever built you a new home? When I was eight my parents built what seemed like a grand wonderful new house for our family. Now I know it is just a modest ranch, with a basement, but it was huge for us. We moved in and celebrated. Moving into any different house is cause for a party.

Jesus has told us that He is preparing the place and that we will always be with Him there. Always…forever! Then He goes on to explain that He is the way, the truth, and the life. The way to the Father—the Father who is in Heaven. Life. Jesus is the life. Life everlasting…forever…always. These are mind boggling concepts—but true. Jesus is the truth. In the Book of Hebrews it says that Jesus can’t lie. It is impossible for God…for Jesus…to lie.

Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. Hebrews 6:16-18  

(Underlined for emphasis.)

Jesus is preparing a place for us. We can count on Jesus to do what He says He’ll do. That gives us hope. Hope for an eternal home with Him.

What do you imagine your home in Heaven will be like?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I am excited to know that one day we will all celebrate at a Banquet at Your home…in Heaven. Together. Forever. What a day that will be…when we see Jesus face to face and can Thank Him for taking our place on the cross—for all that He suffered.  It will be a joyous celebration…after just a humbling moment to acknowledge that Jesus loved us enough to suffer for us and to have an opportunity to Thank Him face to face. For now…Thank You, Jesus.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 23-24

© 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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Build Me a House

Memory Verse:

In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 NASB

In the marriage customs of the Hebrew people after the betrothal or engagement of the couple, the bridegroom must build their home, adding onto his father’s existing home. When it was ready, the father of the groom would invite people to the wedding, sometimes providing special wedding clothes for them. The bride would be taken by her guests from her family’s home in a procession in the middle of the night through the streets to the bridegroom’s home. The bridegroom would not be at home when she arrived, giving her time to have her hair done by her maids in waiting. He would be having dinner at another relative’s home and his wedding guests would accompany him back to his own home where his bride waited for him. People along his procession route would call out “There he is. He is coming!” The bride’s maids in waiting would come out with oil lamps to light up the entrance as the groom and his guests arrived. After the bridegroom procession entered, the doors were shut and no other guests were received. Then the bride and groom would be seated under a colorful canopy and for the next three to five days the father of the groom hosted an elaborate and elegant banquet.

What will my new home look like?
Tel Aviv, Israel

Jesus is that bridegroom—for His bride, the Church. He’s gone to heaven to prepare a place—a magnificent home for us. It is so exciting. I’ve only lived in a brand-new house once in my life. When I was eight years old my parents built a new house—and it was so beautiful to us. It was really lovely three bedroom home with pastel plastered walls, lots of windows, and a full unfinished basement that gave us kids lots of play room when the weather was too hot or too cold to be outdoors. What will our home in heaven be like? Jesus was a carpenter—actually a stone mason. He probably has some really good design ideas and is keeping those angels busy creating just the perfectly exquisite domicile for each of us. I like to imagine that those who are creative here on earth—will probably continue that in heaven and that Jesus will provide a space for people to do artistic projects to glorify the Father. Perhaps there will be elaborate kitchens for all the chefs, bakers and cooks to resourcefully prepare daily feasts. I image glorious gardens—and even dreamed once that I was planting pansies along a golden brick road. What could be better? The book of Revelation tells us that we will be singing around the thrones where God the Father and Jesus Christ are seated. Knowing that we’ll have a wonderful home and lots of singing does make heaven appealing to me. How about you? Do you want to go there? Where do you stand in your faith in Jesus Christ? He said that the only way to the Father, i.e. heaven, is through Him. So those who believe in Him can be assured that He is building a home attached to our Heavenly Father’s home. Hope to see you there!

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, I am so anxious to see what my new home in heaven is going to be like, but I am forcing myself to be patient. Help me to be prepared for Jesus’ return. Give me wisdom to know what to do as I wait. I joyfully look forward to sitting at Your banquet table, feasting with You, singing praises to You at Your throne, and living in the home that Jesus promised to prepare for me.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 21-22

Adapted from September 2017 Banquet With The King blog

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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Know God Intimately

Memory Verse:

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15

Review-Review-Review to memorize. Apply this verse to your life and you will remember it because it is part of you.

But you, O Lord,

are a God of compassion and mercy,

slow to get angry

and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

Psalm 86:15

When I think of God...I think of Heaven...looking to the sky.
Jesus is the Light of the World.
Know Him...Know God.
Unfailing love and faithfulness on this South Carolina beach.

Is that how you imagine God? Compassionate, merciful, slow to get mad, filled with love and faithfulness? Which of those characteristics do you admire the most? Which of those characteristics do you see in yourself? Can you attribute it to an experience that you have had with the Lord? Do you see Him at work in you…with any of those characteristics? Has He changed your life?

An example of that for me is anger. I had a bad temper as a child which I blamed on my Irish heritage. God really worked on me as an adult…especially when I was blessed with a couple of children of my own. A strong willed child can really bring out the worst in a strong willed parent—who is still a strong willed child deep inside. God was merciful to change me…cleanse my heart, mellow me out, show me love…and let that love flow through me. Without God’s love I’m not sure my kids would have turned out to be such loving parents now themselves…or even lived to see adulthood! Life is challenging—but God is good. Friends remind me all the time…God is good. All the time! I am so blessed to have a loving God…as well as family and friends that reflect His compassion, mercy, love, faithfulness, and are slow to anger. We might not be able to see God…but I know that His love is all around me. Reflected in others. Do you feel His love…His presence in your life? Look for Him. Seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. David told his son, Solomon, to seek the Lord. We should follow that same advice.

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

That admonition to learn to know God intimately is key. We need that close relationship with Him. Just to know about God is not enough…we need to really KNOW Him. How do we do that? How do we get to know anyone? Spending time with them is the beginning. Spend time with God…reading His Word, thinking about what He is really saying since sometimes there are hidden messages, applying that Word to our lives and keeping in constant contact which we can do with prayer. Jesus, again our ultimate example, often went off alone to pray. Can we do anything less? Just a few minutes a day spent in God’s presence makes a big difference for me. A few minutes every hour is even better. Seek God with your whole heart and a willing mind, for God knows everything about you and wants to be part of your life. He is a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Worship and honor Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are worthy of my love, respect and admiration. I worship You…a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 18-20

© 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 - https://www.blueletterbible.org/.

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