December 21 – Resurrection – The Empty Tomb

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. So she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." So Peter and the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb. The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. So the disciples went away again to their own homes. John 20:1-10 

The tomb was empty. Where was Jesus? Hallelujah. He is Risen.

The manger was empty. Joseph and Mary had taken Jesus to Egypt. Egypt is not exactly heaven—but it was a safe place for this young family. Where is your safe place? Do you know that no matter where you are, God is with you? He has promised us to “never leave us or forsake us” in Deuteronomy 31:6 and then repeated in Hebrews 13:5. I’ve mentioned this before, but it is a promise that we can claim…and it is good to remember every day—and for anyone who is afraid of the dark—remember that  God is with you and He is bigger than anything you could possibly be afraid of—a monster or dust ball menace hiding under your bed. God is our "safe place."  

So the two disciples, John and Peter, didn’t understand the scriptures, but they believed. Do you believe that Jesus was raised from the dead—even without seeing the empty tomb for yourself? I have seen the “empty tomb” or at least one like it in Jerusalem—but I believed in Jesus as my risen Savior before I waited in line to take my turn to step into the vacant burial crypt. Actually it was because I do believe that I went to Jerusalem to walk where my Savior walked—to experience the land in which He lived. The burial crypt where Jesus was supposedly laid to rest before His resurrection is in a peaceful, quiet garden. As people wait patiently for their turn to peek into the empty tomb they often quietly sing hymns and take communion. It epitomizes the song, “I Come to the Garden Alone”. I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses and the voice I hear falling on my ear The Son of God discloses. And He walks with me….  It is a solemn place—filled with hope. He is Risen. He is Risen indeed. 

As we get nearer to Christmas, may the joy of the resurrection fill your heart as you remember the real reason for the season.   

Dear Jesus—thank you for walking with me, reminding me that You are always with me, and that You cared enough about me…my family and friends…that You died for us…for our sins. I rejoice in remembrance of Your birth…and Your resurrection.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 20 – Is Death Final?

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. Therefore because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. John 19:38-42 

No red letter words today. In this passage of scripture, Jesus was dead. Two of His secret followers provided a tomb and burial spices and saw to it that He was buried in the traditional Jewish way before the sun set. Death is final—it was over. Usually that is how it works. But this time was different. Jesus had spoken of the temple being rebuilt in three day..."Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." John 2:19 Was He the Temple? From this side of the cross and with our hindsight we know that Jesus was and is the Temple. He told this to His disciples and the Jews in the Temple at the time of the Passover. They didn’t see or understand what He was saying. 

How often do we not see or hear what is really being said?  

Lord, help us to see, hear and understand spiritually what is true, right and just that as righteous children of God we would give Him honor and glory.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 19 – It Is Finished!

They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written, "JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS." Therefore many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin and in Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, "Do not write, 'The King of the Jews'; but that He said, 'I am King of the Jews.'" Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written." Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be"; this was to fulfill the Scripture: "THEY DIVIDED MY OUTER GARMENTS AMONG THEM, AND FOR MY CLOTHING THEY CAST LOTS." Therefore the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, "I am thirsty." A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. Then the Jews, because it was the day of preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath ( for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him; but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. For these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture, "NOT A BONE OF HIM SHALL BE BROKEN." And again another Scripture says, "THEY SHALL LOOK ON HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED." John 19:17-37 

What began with a star over a manger in a cave ended with a dark mid-afternoon walk to an old olive tree and a piercing spear.

 

His last words—to His mother, the woman who raised Him, and one of His closest disciples—were instructions to take care of each other. He acknowledged His humanness—thirst. Then He acknowledged to His Father and everyone throughout creation that His job on earth was done. It was finished. What He came to do, He had accomplished. God the Father sent Him to earth to teach us how to live—how to follow God’s commandments—and for Jesus to take on the sins of the world like a Passover Lamb to be sacrificed. 

But the story doesn’t end there with the death and burial. The rest of the story so to speak is Jesus’ resurrection. He finished His work here on earth…and the rest happens in Heaven. He’s preparing a place for us—a home in Heaven where He will call us home to have a great feast. He has angels fighting spiritual warfare and following God the Father’s plan. It is all so wonderful. We just have to put our trust in Him. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.  Psalm 37:5. 

Lord, I commit my way to You and trust that You will guide me all the days of my life—through this Christmas season and all through the coming year.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 18 – Authority Over Mangers and Crowns

Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and put a purple robe on Him; and they began to come up to Him and say, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and to give Him slaps in the face. Pilate came out again and said to them, "Behold, I am bringing Him out to you so that you may know that I find no guilt in Him." Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, "Behold, the Man!" So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, "Crucify, crucify!" Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him." The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God." Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid; and he entered into the Praetorium again and said to Jesus, "Where are You from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to Him, "You do not speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?" Jesus answered, "You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." As a result of this Pilate made efforts to release Him, but the Jews cried out saying, "If you release this Man, you are no friend of Caesar; everyone who makes himself out to be a king opposes Caesar." Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!" So they cried out, "Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar." So he then handed Him over to them to be crucified. John 19:1-16

 

Authority – Power from a higher level. Authority in control. Authority in knowledge. God the Father is all powerful—omnipotent (1Timothy 6:16), everywhere—omnipresent (Psalm 139), all knowing—omniscient (Romans 16:27). God is awesome. No one has power over Him. That includes power over Jesus, too. Only God the Father has power greater, and thus authority, over Jesus. So as Jesus explained to Pilate…"You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above; for this reason he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin." That power of God is the same today—He has not changed.

The Jews wanted Jesus to die—but they didn’t have the power. Pilate thought he had authority—but he didn’t. Jesus submitted Himself to His Father’s plan—and to the Romans who put that crown of thorns on His head. Thorns puncturing the head that had once rested on hay in a manger, that had once glowed with Shekinah glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, that had once bowed in the Garden of Gethsemane while praying to let the cup pass from Him. He humbled Himself taking on our sin and carrying it to the cross. “Crucify Him,” the crowd roared—and they did.

It seems almost ironic to read about the crucifixion of Christ as we are celebrating His birth. Nearly twenty years ago on our Christmas tree I hung a cross made from an Easter palm leaf. Our pastor and his family visited and he commented on the palm cross. My response was, “what is Christmas without Easter?” So I ask you…what is Christmas without Easter? There is no hope without the resurrection of Jesus—so I always hang a cross on my tree. That cross represents the remembrance of my hope in Jesus. The cross—along with the angels and stars on the tree, carols, holiday cookies, concerts, nativity dramas, tasty family meals, snow—that is what Christmas is all about. Gifts? Well—the best gift is Jesus. The same Jesus who wore a crown of thorns for each of us.

Jingle Bells—Jingle Bells. Bless all those who recognize that You, Jesus, are the reason for the season, and that God the Father has the authority over everything.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 17 – Jesus Born To Be A King

Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas into the Praetorium, and it was early; and they themselves did not enter into the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. Therefore Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this Man?" They answered and said to him, "If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you." So Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law." The Jews said to him, "We are not permitted to put anyone to death," to fulfill the word of Jesus which He spoke, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die. Therefore Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus and said to Him, "Are You the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?" Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me; what have You done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and  said to them, "I find no guilt in Him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover; do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?" So they cried out again, saying, "Not this Man, but Barabbas." Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18:28-40 

What is truth? That is what Pilate asked Jesus. Jesus had just told him the truth—that He was a king. So here we have it. TRUTH. Jesus is King—but He also said that His kingdom is not of this world. So of what “world” is He King? Is there some other “world” out there—maybe on Mars or on a planet in some other solar system? No, I think Jesus’ Kingdom is a spiritual one for He said it is not of this “realm”—this royal domain. That made Pilate feel better—Jesus was not a political threat to him or the Roman Empire. We can not see Jesus’ Kingdom, yet it is all around us. A Spiritual Realm.

Dear Jesus—as we approach the celebration of Your birth give us the boldness of the Wise Men to seek You and the enthusiasm of the shepherds to go out and tell others about You. Let us “Go Tell It On The Mountain”—to declare Your righteousness and that You are The King of Kings and our Lord and Savior. The Truth, the Way, and the Life.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 16 – Are You Warm Enough?

Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You are not also one of His disciples, are you?" He denied it, and said, "I am not." One of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, said, "Did I not see you in the garden with Him?" Peter then denied it again, and immediately a rooster crowed. John 18:25-27 

It’s winter here in Washington State where I live—and it is cold. Like Peter, if I were outside I’d like a fire to stand by and warm myself. I image that it wasn’t just the heat of the fire that warmed Peter. His words of denial warmed him. He probably wanted to take is cloak off and run through the dark night. Have you ever told a lie? Come on now, be honest with yourself. You have. Did you know that it is actually breaking one of the Ten Commandments to lie? You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16 NBC news recently reported that researchers in Spain have studied facial temperatures and feelings or emotions. They found that when people lied the temperature of their face around their nose and eyes actually increased. They called this the “Pinocchio effect”. I’ve experienced my face turning red when I’m embarrassed—you probably have, too. Well—that is what Peter was likely feeling, too. Hot from his lie. He knew Jesus—but he was afraid to admit it.  

Do you know Jesus, but are afraid to admit it? What are you afraid of…being rejected by your family and friends? Ridicule? Jesus told us…And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God; but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. Luke 12:8-9 Those are pretty strong words…deny and confess. To deny—to say something is not true. To confess—to make known. We certainly don’t want to be denied before God. I would hope that no one would want for God to know that they purposely don’t know and love Jesus. That is a quick ticket of condemnation to hell. Your relationship to Jesus is one of those things that you want to shout from the rooftops—to go tell it on the mountain—that Jesus Christ is LORD of your life. He is Lord of my life. 

I like to hike—in mountains or the desert. It is always good to have a nice straight path—you can walk faster and for me that means burning more calories which I need to do! It also means that I can see where I am going—no unexpected cliffs or snakes in my path. One verse that is encouraging to me that goes along with “confessing” Jesus before men is found in Proverbs 3:5-6, 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. May you cling to this verse today—spiritually feasting on it and making it your own promise from God. He will make your paths straight. You’ll be able to see what is ahead—no hidden turns and deceptive ways. 

Lord, guide us in our walk today with You that we would make the right choices and that You would make our path straight and true.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 15 - Nothing in Secret

So the Roman cohort and the commander and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound Him, and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. Simon Peter was following Jesus, and so was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought Peter in. Then the slave-girl who kept the door said to Peter, "You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not." Now the slaves and the officers were standing there, having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves; and Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself. The high priest then questioned Jesus about His disciples, and about His teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. Why do you question Me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them; they know what I said." When He had said this, one of the officers standing nearby struck Jesus, saying, "Is that the way You answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?" So Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. John 18:12-24 

Jesus always drew a crowd when He spoke and taught. Remember that at one time there were 5,000 men (Mark 6:44) who were following Him, listening to His teaching and then He fed them. Another time there were 4,000 men, plus women and children (Matthew 15:38) who He taught and then fed. People were eager to hear Him teach as illustrated by this scripture in Luke 21:37-38. Now during the day He was teaching in the temple, but at evening He would go out and spend the night on the mount that is called Olivet. And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him.  

When was the last time that you got up early to hear anyone teach? Of course, if you are a student and have an early morning class…or you went to an Easter Sunrise service you got up early. My family is notorious for not wanting to get up early for anything! I’ve gone to Sunrise services alone several times while family slept. Commitment to anything early is just that—commitment, a dedication. It takes persistence and perseverance within one’s own value system to motivate individuals to do something outside of their normal daily routine. Some people are more adaptable, more motivated. That is what the people described in the Luke passage were—motivated to hear Jesus speak. Even when Jesus challenged people to live better lives, like in the Sermon on the Mount, He was convicting them of past mistakes. "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘ You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Matthew 5:22. He continued to teach them… "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

People during Jesus’ time were hungry to hear about spiritual things—about the right way to live. People haven’t changed in 2000 years. We still have a void in our lives and Jesus fills that with His love and peace—still teaching from the Bible. Amazingly the Bible is considered a living document. I’ve found that no matter how many times I read a particular scripture passage, it still says something that I didn’t see or understand in the same way when I previously read it. Try it for yourself—see if scripture says the same thing to you when you read it even days, weeks or years later. Jesus didn’t speak in secret when He walked this earth—and He doesn’t speak in secret now.   

Jesus—I am hungry to feed on Your spiritual teachings. Show me something new in Your word today.

Life is Short - Celebrate while the Light is in your heart.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 14 – Who Are You Looking For?

When Jesus had spoken these words, He went forth with His disciples over the ravine of the Kidron, where there was a garden, in which He entered with His disciples. Now Judas also, who was betraying Him, knew the place, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered Him, "Jesus the Nazarene." He said to them, "I am He." And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. So when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground. Therefore He again asked them, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these go their way," to fulfill the word which He spoke, "Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one." Simon Peter then, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear; and the slave's name was Malchus. So Jesus said to Peter, "Put the sword into the sheath; the cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?" John 18:1-11 

Can you imagine knowing that you were going to be arrested—and still going to the place where the guards were coming for you? Jesus did just that. He went willingly. He kept asking them “Who are you look for?” and answering, “I am the one—that’s me.” There was such power in His words that when the guards finally heard Him they fell to the ground (verse 6).  

Drinking of the cup—doing what is expected. Jesus was obediently following His Father’s plan. He was to be the sacrificial lamb at this Passover. Remember how John the Baptist was baptizing at the Jordan River told the crowd of people when he saw Jesus coming said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Lamb of God. During this advent season as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth—Behold the baby in the manger—the gift of God—given for you. Behold—pay close attention to what is happening. Prepare your heart and your home for the celebration of Christmas. Keep focused on the real meaning of this holiday. Jesus, Christ the King, who came as a gift to you—to give you eternal life. Accept God’s gift. Open your heart and receive Him. Can you take time away from the hustle and hurry of this season where everyone is focused on getting gifts, being entertained and eating fancy foods…and focus on the spiritual food that is set before you? Enjoy a feast of God’s word today. Find peace, joy, love, history and exciting stories that show us how to live and treat others wrapped up within the cover of your Bible.  

Who are you looking for? Someone to bring you an expensive present…a fire truck, an American Girl doll, a Kindle Fire or iPad? Or are you looking for someone who came to take away the sins of the world? Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah will bring peace and joy to your life and your home. He is the greatest gift of all. 

Dear Jesus— I’ve been looking for You. Thank you for humbling Yourself and coming as a gift to all of us on earth. Just as those guards fell before You in the garden when they came to arrest You, I bow my head and my heart at the power of Your words. Help me today to love others for you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 13 - Beloved, Let Us Love One Another

"Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known to them, and will make it known, so that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."  John 17:24-26 

Here’s a little glimpse of a young man talking to his father—spilling out his heart’s desire. The young man just happens to be Jesus. You can tell that He has a deep love and respect for His righteous Father. He is confident that His Father loves Him and He wants to share that love with His followers. These were the things on His mind during this last prayer time recorded in these red letter words. 

Do you have that confidence that your righteous Heavenly Father loves you deeply? Do you want to tell others about Him—so that they can know His love, too? How do you show our Heavenly Father love, honor and respect? Jesus taught us…YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. There is no other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31. In addition there is a song that my daughter sang in a chapel musical when she was in second grade. It quotes 1 John 4:7 & 8. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. So by showing our love to others, obediently, we are showing our love to God the Father. God is Love.  

Dear Heavenly Father—Just as Jesus taught, we love our neighbors and ourselves—especially during this Christmas season. We love You—for loving us.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 12 – Unity in Love

But now I come to You; and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. John 17:13-23 

Perfected in unity. In 1st Corinthians Paul writes about unity in the church.

For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, "Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, "Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body," it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. ... whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 1 Corinthians 12:14-20, 24-26

Here the unity of the body is diversified—but all parts are essential to the function of the whole body. So it is with the “body” of the church. We need unity to exist in a positive and encouraging way. We are supposed to be encouraging to our church families—and even more to our own families.

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

May I encourage you with the words written to children and fathers in Ephesians 6:1-4?

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

These words may not seem very encouraging some days when your three year old is talking back or even hitting you. But keep on keeping on—disciplining them will drive out that obstinate sinful nature. There are at least 38 verses in the Bible dealing with discipline and there is especially a lot of wisdom in Proverbs.

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him. Proverbs 22:15

A wise son accepts his father's discipline, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. - Proverbs 13:1

Do not hold back discipline from the child, although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. Proverbs 23:13

Three year olds, like Isaac and Liberty, know when they’ve done wrong—and they so want to please their parents…and God. If they get away with their own selfish desires and think that they can “be right” in their own eyes now…then down the road when they are older it will be much harder to convince them to do the right thing, to listen and obey. Obedience and attitude are the keys. 

You can see the face of these three year olds scowling when they know they’ve made the wrong decision. An almost evil look in their eyes, with a wrinkled brow and a sadly smug frown. When they’ve said their “sorry” and are right with others and God—once again their little cherub faces glow. It is like a miracle has happened. It is a miracle—the grace of God has rescued them from themselves. Good job, Dad and Mom, on disciplining and teaching your little one to make good decisions, to apologize and to seek forgiveness. Your obedience and attitude to consistently teach them to do the right thing—to listen and obey—is the best example that they could have. Keep up the good work. Feast on God’s word as it creates unity in your home. 

Dear Jesus—You are such an awesome example of obedience. Create unity in our families with the loving discipline of obedience. May those we come in contact with this week be able to see Your love in us…and may they feel that perfect peace, joy and love that only can come from You.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 11 – A Time for Peace

I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours; and all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine; and I have been glorified in them. I am no longer in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me; and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.  John 17:6-12 

What is yours is mine and what is mine is mine…wait, no that isn’t what Jesus said. He said, all things that are Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine. My Uncle Len didn’t have a family and lived in his parent’s home until he got married at the age of 54 years old. He and my Dad had an electrical business together and farmed alongside each other, too. My Uncle spent a lot of time with us and was part of our family—so what was ours was his…but what was his was HIS! Jesus concept of things and people belonging to Him was that what was His belonged to His Father, too. That is a good concept for us to grasp also. Everything that we have really belongs to the Lord…we can’t take it with us off this earth…and although anything of value will be passed on to our children and grandchildren, the things of real value are relationships in our hearts. It is important that we “share” Jesus with everyone, but especially with those we know and love so that they can enjoy the glorious benefits of heaven one day. It is terribly sad to hear of anyone that had to go to hell…and be tormented the heat of the fire there for the rest of eternity because they didn’t choose to know and love Jesus as their Messiah—their Savior.

Eternity is a long time—forever. God has prepared eternity for everyone…it is up to them where they will spend it…Heaven or Hell. Go back to Daniel 12:2. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. In Ecclesiastes 3:11 God tells us He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart…. Everything has its own time. I love the verses in Ecclesiastes that talk about a time for everything: 

           There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

A time to give birth and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance.

A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.

A time to search and a time to give up as lost;

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;

A time to be silent and a time to speak.

A time to love and a time to hate;

A time for war and a time for peace.

 It is a great generalization to say that no one really wants war—isn’t that what love and hate unequally balanced are all about? And then there are those people who are continually seeking peace. Give peace a chance. The best way to find peace is to surrender yourself to Jesus and He will give you His peace…one that surpasses all understanding…and the best time for that? Now. The new pastor at the church I attend just preached on this peace last Sunday. Breathe…she said. And the congregation did. That’s what we need to keep doing…breathing. Breathing life and hope into our lives with Jesus. He is not only the reason for the season—He is the creator, the sustainer of life and the source of peace. Without breath, there is no life. Can you surrender your problems to Jesus…and breathe in His Hope, Peace and Strength? 

Jesus, please help us to breathe in Your peace—not only during this advent season—but all through the coming year. May your peace and love flow through us to our families, our neighbors, our community, our country and throughout the world, making disciples just like You commanded us to do. Whatever we have is Yours, Lord. Our families, friends, relationships, education, time, possessions, joys and sorrows—use them all for Your glory.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 10 – Glory Before the World Was

Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”  John 17:1-5

Darkness filled the void—and then in a flash of glory the world was created.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2

For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:20-21  

It was the Father’s responsibility to glorify His Son—and then the Son would glorify the Father. Sort of a mutual admiration society. Glorifying each other. Jesus was aware that He was going to have to die—and here He is asking the Father to glorify Him, the Son who was the creator of everything, with the gloriousness that they had before creation. That is a God thing that is beyond our comprehension. May we give them both the glory—the honor, respect, reverence, dignity and splendor that they so richly deserve. Who are we---but mere mortal men and women who want to honor their God, creator of the universe. 

Lord, even as darkness ebbs and flows through this day and into night, may You be glorified—may You feel the respect, honor and reverence that You so richly deserve—even before the beginning of time, before the world existed.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 9 - Find Peace in Jesus

Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:31-33 

What does it mean to “overcome the world? Another set of verses addresses this. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? - 1 John 5:3-5  

That is very reassuring scripture. Faith. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God gives us victory. Victory over sin and all its baggage—the selfishness and evil that the world conjures up to make life unhappy and miserable. Imagine how those disciples felt when they were “scattered, each to his own home” and Jesus was left hanging there alone on the cross. At least He felt ALONE. He even felt that God the Father had forsaken Him. That is why the scripture in Deuteronomy 31:6, that is repeated in Hebrews 13:5, is so special to me. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Can you feel His loving arms around you even now? 

Heavenly Father—wrap Your loving arms around those who are feeling loss right now…especially the Dodds family. May they feel Your presence and once again find peace in their hearts in Jesus.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 8 - Jesus Loves Me--This I Know

These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father." His disciples said, "Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God." John 16:25-30 

Figurative language involves analogies, like Jesus’ parables, and may exaggerate the story. Exaggeration is not something that we consider a speaking trait of Jesus. He always told the truth—no lies or big stories. He taught people using parables about things like sheep, coins and houses—and even families, sons and fathers. God the Father is blessed to have such a devoted, obedient, honest and loving son—Jesus. The Father loved the disciples…and us, because we love Jesus.  

A lot of kids learn to sing “Jesus Loves Me” when they are like three or four years old. Some of the words to the song centers on “ME” but the song is really about Jesus—and His strength. My sister and I sang this song together when we were children—we liked to sing. She had almost perfect pitch and could sing so beautifully—like an angel. One of the last times we were together we sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and she harmonized, singing alto. Twenty-three years ago today she died tragically…and now I imagine that she is singing at the very throne of Jesus—or will be when He gathers us all together for a feast with Him in Heaven. A feast that you can be at too, if you love Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I’m saying that literally, not figuratively—no exaggeration. You choose if you want to be in Heaven, by choosing Jesus as your Savior. My sister chose to love Jesus and to honor Him as Savior. No wings or harp for her…those are figurative things people think about when they talk about heaven. Those things are for angels, which are totally different created beings than humans. I hope to see you in Heaven, too—I’ll be the one singing there with my sister, Shirley. You can tell us apart—I’m a little taller.

The day Shirley was killed, her new husband, Bob, and her two daughters, Vicki and Anne, were also killed, along with her ex-husband, Ron. Domestic violence is a heart wrenching issue—and in some cases fatal and final. Twenty-three years later I’m still feeling the loss of this family. A few years after this incident a Jewish friend of mine asked me why I was sad, since as a Christian I should be happy that they are with Jesus. Why am I sad? For Twenty-three years I have missed (been cheated out of) Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July, birthdays, sunny days…every day celebrations with them. Shirley and I were planning to grow old gracefully—together. I miss the fact that I didn’t get to go to her daughters’ high school and college graduations, weddings, or to hold their newborn babies—I won’t get to share in the joys and sorrows of their lives—they aren’t living. This sharing of our lives isn’t just about me…it’s about family. Families are supposed to share all those joys and sorrows, holidays, birthdays…and every days. We have a void in our family that can’t be filled—that is what death does. It leaves a void. Why am I sad? I’m just selfish I guess. My life is about "me." I wanted more out of life…more time to spend with those I love. Although I’ll see them again in Heaven our relationship here on earth has ended and there is that void. So I give Jesus this void—this loss. That is all I can do. And then I can sing and ...remember.  

Time is precious—people and relationships are precious. May we all value what we have…and enjoy it to the fullest while we are here. Family and friends—know that I love you—more than my heart can hold.

Dear Jesus—Thank you for loving us…my sister, me and our family. We praise You for who You are and always will be—King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Shalom Shabbat

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

December 7 - For a Little While

A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me. Some of His disciples then said to one another, What is this thing He is telling us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'? So they were saying, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not know what He is talking about. Jesus knew that they wished to question Him, and He said to them, "Are you deliberating together about this, that I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me'? Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. In that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full. John 16:16-24 

Now you see me; now you don’t. Sounds a bit like a magician, but I can assure you that Jesus was not a magician. Of course, He was telling His disciples about His death and resurrection. A little while…is that three days? It was only hours after He spoke this that He was arrested, then tried, and soon thereafter, crucified. No one had been through such a traumatic time as that…oh, sure, others had been crucified, but perhaps not friends of the disciples. Many Jews were crucified by the Romans during this era—reportedly as many as 500 a day. One historian indicated that there were 2,000 people crucified in just one day in Rome for the entertainment of a government official. You can search for this gruesome information on the internet, if you so choose. One site where this information was available was http://www.mb-soft.com/believe/text/crucifix.htm

Jesus tells His disciples in these red letter words that they are going to have a time of sadness—grief. And then that they will be happy—filled with joy. When one of our loved ones dies we grieve—and we remember good times—joyful occasions that we spent with that person. But our grief is not turned into joy like that of the disciples after Jesus resurrection. There is coming a day when we will all be resurrected—but until then we just have to live one day at a time, endure our sorrows and hold onto the hope that we have in Jesus return. Spiritually we can feast on His word…like this promise that… if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. What a great promise! Ask away for whatever you want. Jesus wants our joy to be full.  

Heavenly Father, I don’t speak from want, for I am learning to be content in whatever circumstances I am, just as you taught in Philippians 4:11. Please allow me to be filled with joy even when I feel sadness. I miss those who have died and gone on to Paradise—but I know that they are at peace where they are and wouldn’t come back if they could. I ask this in Jesus' name. Thank you for your plan for Heaven—a home for all your family.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).