Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Faithfully Put Your Hope in the Lord

Prayer – Lord, I believe…and I want to faithfully put my hope for all eternity in You. Temptation is so great to just sit back and let others do Your work now—but I want to serve You, too, in any aspect that I can. Please open my eyes to see ways that I can minister to those in need—physically and spiritually. 

Songs for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

A psalm of David. LORD, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don't concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother's milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD—now and always. Psalm 131 :1-3

 

LORD, remember David and all that he suffered. He made a solemn promise to the LORD. He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel, "I will not go home; I will not let myself rest. I will not let my eyes sleep nor close my eyelids in slumber until I find a place to build a house for the LORD, a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel." We heard that the Ark was in Ephrathah; then we found it in the distant countryside of Jaar. Let us go to the sanctuary of the LORD; let us worship at the footstool of his throne. Arise, O LORD, and enter your resting place, along with the Ark, the symbol of your power. May your priests be clothed in godliness; may your loyal servants sing for joy. For the sake of your servant David, do not reject the king you have anointed. The LORD swore an oath to David with a promise he will never take back: "I will place one of your descendants on your throne. If your descendants obey the terms of my covenant and the laws that I teach them, then your royal line will continue forever and ever." For the LORD has chosen Jerusalem; he has desired it for his home. "This is my resting place forever," he said. "I will live here, for this is the home I desired. I will bless this city and make it prosperous; I will satisfy its poor with food. I will clothe its priests with godliness; its faithful servants will sing for joy. Here I will increase the power of David; my anointed one will be a light for my people. I will clothe his enemies with shame, but he will be a glorious king." Psalm 132:1-18

 

Meditate. Consider God’s blessings--food, clothing, power. 

 

Jerusalem. God chosen home—His resting place. This was where God said He wanted to live—and Solomon built Him a temple there. For now, His actual dwelling place is in Heaven. After He died, Jesus was resurrected, and ascended into Heaven. Someday God will have His throne in a new Heaven…and there will be a new Earth, as it is revealed to us in Revelation.

Hollyhocks near Jerusalem, Israel

The old earth and heaven will disappear.
There will be a new Heaven, a new Earth...
and a New Jerusalem

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 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."  Revelation 21:1-4

This New Heaven, with a New Jerusalem, will be a glorious home not only for God, but also for those who are faithful now to what God has called them to do.

But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God's entire house. And we are God's house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. That is why the Holy Spirit says, "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years. So I was angry with them, and I said, 'Their hearts always turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.' So in my anger I took an oath: 'They will never enter my place of rest.'" Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Remember what it says: "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled."  Hebrews 3:6-15

Don’t harden your heart—but be faithful to God and encourage other believers to be faithful, too. Will you be living eternally with the faithful brothers and sisters in the New Heaven with the Lord one day…or only on the New Earth with other believers who have wasted their time now…and not been faithful about doing God’s will? Faithfully put your trust in the Lord.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. Hebrews 10:35-39

 

Memory Verse of the Week ~ If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. Job 36:11

 

© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Monday, December 12, 2022

Who Could Ever Survive ?

Prayer – Lord, I want to not only survive, but thrive spiritually. Open my eyes and my heart to more of the truths in Your word. 

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

From the depths of despair, O LORD, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you. I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn. O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows. He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin. Psalm 130:1-8

 

Meditate.

No sunlight...or limited sunshine can lead to:
Despair - SAD - Gloom

Are you or someone you know in the depths of despair? It is certainly conceivable that during these gloomy days of winter that those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) would be feeling hopelessness or despondent. Here the psalmist is calling out for the Lord’s help and asking if the Lord kept a record of sins who could ever survive? Who could survive? Actually, only those who confess their sin and are forgiven.

Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty! Psalm 32:1-2

They have put their faith, trust, and hope in the Lord…in His word. That is because of the Lord God’s unfailing love. He loves us so much. He proved it by sending His only Son to earth—to live as a human, among a human. Then that beloved Son was sacrificed—just as a lamb was sacrificed in the Temple for people’s sins.

Then he (Jesus) said, "Look, I have come to do your will." He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God's will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. Hebrews 10:9-12

Without Jesus Christ’s sacrifice we would all be lost—in the pit of hopelessness. Utter despondancy. Without Jesus Christ…who could ever survive?

 

Verse of Salvation ~ 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

 

Memory Verse of the Week ~ If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant. Job 36:11

 

© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, December 11, 2022

God is Good

Prayer – Lord, I am reminded daily…each time I get into your word…that You are an awesome God. You don’t belong just to me—but to everyone who have ever lived and breathed was created by You and for You. Some of us just don’t realize it and then there are some who reject You Lord God—they actually turn their back on You and Your way. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart. I choose You…to follow You down the straight and narrow path that leads to forgiveness, righteousness. and hope for the future.

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me. Let all Israel repeat this: From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never defeated me. My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows. But the LORD is good; he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly. May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat. May they be as useless as grass on a rooftop, turning yellow when only half grown, ignored by the harvester, despised by the binder. And may those who pass by refuse to give them this blessing: "The LORD bless you; we bless you in the LORD's name." Psalm 129:1-8

 

Meditate. Consider God’s goodness.

 

The Lord God is good. Like this psalmist, God released me—set me free from my enemies. He wins, not them.  When my “enemy” is within me…my own attitude…the Lord has graciously pointed out the error of MY way. I can say that He has helped me see the error of my thoughts—my attitudes—and pointed me down the right path—His path. Funny thing is it is MY decision whether to go down that path or not. God allows us to make our own decisions. It was my poor choices about my attitude that seemed to cause more distress in my life. Listening to God, I want to make good choices—wise choices. I remind myself that I want to live in a way that is pleasing to God…and that by living that way life is more pleasant for those around me, too. Hip-hip-hurrah! There are many verses throughout Proverbs that point out the value of making good decisions. This one about watching what you say to stay out of trouble was very encouraging to me recently. God’s word is true…You won’t get into trouble if you keep your mouth shut. For me, that takes a change of heart.

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23

Likewise, since I live in a semi-desert area, this verse was convicting to me about not quarreling. I don’t always have to be right and other people are entitled to their opinion.

It's better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife. Proverbs 21:19

Storm Clouds
Jerusalem is multicultural and multireligious
Conflict is just beneath the surface of life.
 Just like the Jews, Arabs, and Christians in Jerusalem,
You have a choice. Choose God.
God is good.

Jerusalem has its problems and its enemies. As Christians, we all hope for peace for Jerusalem…and all of Israel, but we also know because as we read Revelation and other prophetic scripture, there is lots of turmoil ahead of them. This psalmist is standing up for Jerusalem… May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat. Likewise, I want Israel to be a land of peace, growth, and prosperity. It is such a beautiful country with so many industrious, hardworking folks, a majority of whom do not know our Lord as their Savior. To them, Jesus was a good man…but not the Messiah for whom they were looking two thousand years ago…or today. We can pray for them…and have hope that they will seek the Lord and find Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world…of them. We can trust the Lord since we know He has a plan. A plan for eternal salvation that includes Jews and Gentiles (read Ephesians 3). God is good.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. 2 Thessalonians 2:14-17

 

© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, December 10, 2022

May You Live to Enjoy Your Grandchildren!

Prayer – Lord, thank you for blessing me with Grandchildren—they are a joy to my life! Please bless them and help them to make good decisions. Decisions that result in bringing You glory and honor…and helps them in future endeavors, as well as bringing them respect and honor in their lives. Keep them safe—and make them strong to face times and trials which we all must go through.

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

How joyful are those who fear the LORD—all who follow his ways! You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. How joyful and prosperous you will be! Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. That is the LORD's blessing for those who fear him. May the LORD continually bless you from Zion. May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live. May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. May Israel have peace! Psalm 128:1-6

 

Meditate. How is the Lord blessing you?

 

May you live to enjoy your grandchildren. The psalmist is describing the joy and prosperity that God’s faithful and obedient children experience.

Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6

Gorilla at the Omaha Zoo
Personally, I do enjoy my grandchildren—and always look forward to spending time with them—whenever and wherever I can. We’ve done baking, cooking, crafts, painting, kayaking projects over the years. Our whole family actually spent a few days together this last summer—and it was a blessing to see the cousins all together. We celebrated birthdays and our 50th anniversary! Joyous times! Visiting the Zoo at Omaha as a group was a definite highlight! Who doesn’t enjoy watching the amazing animals God created watch us? My favorite among all the creatures represented at that zoo are the gorillas. They have a great Gorilla Valley there with several gorillas and a couple of family units. It was terrific seeing those families interact, too! Of course, second to the gorillas were the butterflies. Watching them flutter around their environmental pavilion was glorious. God has created such unique insects and animals—all the creatures, great and small. The Lord God loves them all—but He loves the human beings—you and me—best of all. The other creatures don’t have a spirit, like we were given by God when He said…let us make man in our own image—meaning spiritual. That is why, after Adam and Eve sinned, He sent His Son, Jesus, to be the Messiah—the Christ and Savior of all mankind. Celebrating Jesus’ birth is what Christmas is all about. Focus on Jesus. You’ve probably heard—or may have already memorized this verse that describes God’s love.

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

When you have a chance, share this scripture passage with those you love--friends and family…especially if you have children and grandchildren. May God fill your heart and home with joy during this holy season.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. Hebrews 2:1-4

 

Memory Verse of the Week ~ 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

This is my favorite verse…is it yours? Is it in your heart and mind…forever?

 

© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, December 9, 2022

Unless the Lord Builds a House….


Prayer – Lord, open my eyes and heart to those who are suffering from domestic violence issues…and show me how I can help them. Let Your boldness and compassion flow through me to give them hope.

 

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.

Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. Psalm 127:1-5

 

Meditate. Consider God’s guidance in scripture.

 

Unless…. Unless….

This is a psalm of Solomon—the second wisest man to have ever lived. Jesus was the wisest man.

Building a house or a city won’t be successful unless the Lord is involved. Same with a family…children are a reward…a gift from the Lord. But building that family won’t succeed unless God is part of that family. Case in point is my sister, Shirley, who I mentioned in this blog yesterday. She and her first husband, Ron, had two lovely daughters, but there was a domestic dispute with associated misconduct on his part. He ended up killing Shirley, her new husband, Bob, and her two daughters, Vicki and Anne. That family did not succeed because the Lord was not part of Ron’s life. He was a self-declared Atheist. Had he chosen to believe in Jesus as his Savior, that family would have been secure and strong. Good example for a reason to chose to marry a person of one’s own religion—to be equally yoked. Unless the Lord builds a house….

 

Verse of Salvation ~ You say, "I am allowed to do anything"--but not everything is good for you. And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything. You say, "Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food." (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can't say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. And God will raise us from the dead by his power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. 1 Corinthians 6:12-14

 

Think about things that are...
excellent and worthy of praise.
Memory Verse of the Week ~ 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

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Herbs to Fight Viruses. This is the time of the years when viruses are rampant. Viruses are so small that a mask does little to stop them—but wear one anyway if you like, then wash your hands and face frequently. Use of some herbs has been known to fight viruses.


Herbs that Fight Viral Infections

1. Oregano
2. Sage
3. Basil
4. Fennel
5. Garlic
6. Lemon Balm
7. Peppermint
8. Rosemary
9. Echinacea
10. Elderberries
11. Licorice
12. Astragalus
13. Ginger
14. Ginseng
15. Dandelion
Add these herbs to your favorite recipes or make them into a tea.


© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. Post #4.003

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Harvest with Joy

Prayer – Lord, You know all about life and death. Give me insight to minister to others where You want me to, so that they can deal with loss…but see Your mercy and grace in their lives, as I have in mine.

Songs for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, both now and forever. The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you. But banish those who turn to crooked ways, O LORD. Take them away with those who do evil. May Israel have peace! Psalm 125:1-5

When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them." Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. Psalm 126:1-6

 

Meditate. Consider what God has done for His people.

 

Trust in the Lord. Look what God did bringing back the exiles to Jerusalem from Babylon—and having them rebuild the Temple. They had been exiled for disobedience—and returned filled with joy! Have you ever experienced defeat and then renewed strength? That is about what the Jews experienced as they returned to Jerusalem. They had to work hard to rebuild their city, the walls, and the Temple. But God was in it; they were restored and the people were blessed. The psalmist is pleading with God to give Israel peace. Looks to me like the same thing is happening now. People are praying for peace for Jerusalem…and all of Israel. That country has enemies surrounding it—but they also have support from others around the world.

 

"What amazing things the LORD has done for them." Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy!  We need to remember that. God is good to His people…and to many in other nations. I think that certainly includes the grace that He extends to all Christians. Grace as they plant seeds…and harvest the crops. That “harvest” may be other believers—so it is a spiritual harvest. Jesus said…

"Did someone bring him food while we were gone?" the disciples asked each other. Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, 'One plants and another harvests.' And it's true. I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest." John 4:33-38

Shirley & Bob Woody
with Anne & Vicki Burris
October 14, 1989
died December 8, 1989
Harvest. That happens at the end of life when the grain or fruit is mature…or the person’s life is complete. My sister, Shirley, her husband, Bob, Shirley’s daughters Vicki and Anne, were all “harvested” by the Lord on December 8, 1989, when they died as a result of a domestic violence incident. They were gone, but I experienced defeat. It’s difficult to have relationships just end abruptly. That was 33 years ago. They were all believers…so we know we’ll see them in Heaven one day. The dead in Christ shall rise…

It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. They are buried as natural human bodies, but they will be raised as spiritual bodies. For just as there are natural bodies, there are also spiritual bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

I find joy in God’s plan for salvation—even though life is complicated and at times overwhelming. Death can be awkward—but we just have to trust in the Lord accepting His grace and mercy. He cares. Plant in tears…harvest with joy.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me. He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the LORD's presence as I live here on earth! I believed in you, so I said, "I am deeply troubled, LORD." In my anxiety I cried out to you, "These people are all liars!" What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD's name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people. The LORD cares deeply when his loved ones die. Psalm 116:7-15

 

Memory Verse of the Week ~ 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

  

© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Who is Worthy of Praise?

Prayer – Lord, You are worthy of praise, worship, and adoration. You are worthy, not just during this Advent and holiday season—but always. Now and forever. 

Songs for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. We keep looking to the LORD our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal. Have mercy on us, LORD, have mercy, for we have had our fill of contempt. We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud and the contempt of the arrogant. Psalm 123:1-4

 

What if the LORD had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat: What if the LORD had not been on our side when people attacked us? They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger. The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us. Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives. Praise the LORD, who did not let their teeth tear us apart! We escaped like a bird from a hunter's trap. The trap is broken, and we are free! Our help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:1-8

 

Meditate. Contemplate God’s mercy.

 

Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. There are only 76 words in Psalm 123, but three of them are “mercy.” Mercy from the Lord is what we seek…an escape from taunting, scoffing, proud enemies. The psalmist is   looking to the Lord for His mercy…His grace. That unmerited favor that God provides.

 

Psalm 124 encourages me to remember…what if. What if…. What if the Lord had not been on our side? That is pretty important. To have the Lord—and His power—on our side during any battle, whether or it is a physical or spiritual battle, is a real blessing. God always wins. Praise the LORD!  We escape from whatever is that is attacking, intimidating, or entrapping us. God is always with us…He has promised. He will never leave us or forsake those who love Him…and those whom He loves. He is on our side. No “what if…” involved. Be assured and encouraged that God is on your side…He is on my side. He shows us mercy and love. So, fix your thoughts on one thing…things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Who is worthy of praise? God.

 

Verse of Salvation ~ My mercy and justice are coming soon. My salvation is on the way. My strong arm will bring justice to the nations. All distant lands will look to me and wait in hope for my powerful arm. Look up to the skies above, and gaze down on the earth below. For the skies will disappear like smoke, and the earth will wear out like a piece of clothing. The people of the earth will die like flies, but my salvation lasts forever. My righteous rule will never end! Isaiah 51:5-6

 

Memory Verse of the Week ~ 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

 

© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.  4,001 posts

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

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

 

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories