January 2 – Qualities of Jesus

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:3-6 NIV

If we are to have the goal of being more like Jesus every day, then we need to know just what His traits are…His spiritual character traits to which we can attain--so that we can walk like Jesus walked. Here’s a list with which to start. We’ll look more closely at these—and add more during the coming weeks.

Commitment

Compassion

Courage

Discipline

Endurance

Enthusiasm

Faithfulness

Forgiving

Generous

Gentleness

Goodness

Honest

Humble

Integrity

Joy

Kindness

Love

Loyalty

Passion

Patience

Peace

Perseverance

Reliable

Respect

Responsibility

Self-Control

Self-Sacrifice

Tolerance

Vision

Lord—give us insight into Your character as we study You and seek to develop Your character traits in us and in the little children around us. 

In addition…here are some other things to consider as we start this New Year. Is this the year?

The year we have our break-throughs?

The year we get our priorities in order?

The year we keep our resolutions?

The year we reach our potential?

The year we stop making excuses?

The year we take responsibility for our situation?

The year we make good choices instead of bad mistakes?

The year we come to understand who we are in Christ?

The year we become obedient?

The year we have more fun than ever before?

The year we become the giver instead of the receiver?

The year we fully grasp how to walk in God's gifts to us?

2013...Is this the year?

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

January 1 – Training In God’s Ways

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

 

I’m not done being a parent yet…even though my children are grown. That is what the Lord impressed upon me a few years ago and that's what prompted me to start this devotional blog. Things haven’t changed since 2012…I’m still a parent and grandparent and we all, including me, still need “training” in the way of our Lord. So just what does it mean to “train” and for what are we “training?” Train  means to acquire knowledge and skills as a result of teaching. So for what are we training? For a marathon, etiquette, swimming or…just life? Spiritual training, you may ask? Yes. Spiritual character. To be more like Jesus every day is our goal. Not to become a God—we can never do that. But just to be like Jesus.   

So for the 2013 year spiritual character is going to be the focus of this Banquet With The King as we feast on His word. Applying spiritual character traits to our lives isn’t just for little children—it is useful to all of us—to help us grow closer to the Lord. So like it talks about in Romans…And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 

As we begin this New Year may we be ever more attune to God’s guidance in our lives and may we reach out to others with the love of God that flows through our hearts and lives.  Happy New Year!  

Dear Lord, You are awesome. Your character traits are worth emulating—so train us to persevere through the good times and rough times in our lives that we would become more like You—kind, forgiving, generous and loving.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

December 31 – Blessed New Year To One and All

Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:1-6  

Blessed. Blessed. Blessed. That’s me.

I am blessed to know God and to be known by Him.

I am blessed to live in a country with such freedoms—although with such freedom comes responsibility.

I am blessed to live in a community that is clean, safe, friendly and compassionate.

I am blessed to have a loving and nurturing family—that shares my values, love and concerns.

I am blessed to have friends—who truly care about each other.

I am blessed to have a good husband and a home where we are comfortable and content.

Above all—blessed is the name of the Lord for He is worthy of our praise and adoration.  

Do you feel blessed?

 

As we look back at this past year of 2012, may we see all the ways that God has worked in our lives. As we look ahead—let us look forward to the feasts we’ll have at the Lord’s table—with each other savoring His word. My hope is that your joys be overflowing and your love abound in God’s grace. May He have mercy on us as we live to obey His commandments, to seek and serve Him. This year 2012 is over…and I have reached my goal of blogging this devotional for a year. I will continue blogging—so please do keep reading. Blessings and love to you all~

Happy New Year!

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

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

December 30 – Smile

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. Hebrews 13:8-9 

You hear so much about foods that are good for the heart…or bad for the heart. Most of the “good” heart foods are those found in rainbow colors like blue – blueberries, red – salmon, yellow/orange – squash and sweet potatoes, green – broccoli or spinach, and in the earth color of tan – oatmeal and other whole grains. Of course the foods that “bad” for the heart include almost anything white – sugar, refined flour, fried potatoes, hydrogenated oil, whole milk, and fatty foods.

He (God) causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, so that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine which makes man's heart glad, so that he may make his face glisten with oil, and food which sustains man's heart. - Psalm 104:14-15

Do you ever consider heart food—food that strengthens the heart, spiritually?

Paul taught about spiritual food. In this passage below he was using an example of the Hebrew people in their exodus from Egypt.

For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.

That spiritual food was from Christ…it was Christ. Things haven’t changed from the times of the Exodus…Christ is still our spiritual rock and provides our spiritual food. Eat heartily at His table—feast today and everyday from His word. Allow it to change your attitude and perspective of life. Do let your heart be strengthened by grace, the unmerited favor of God. Attitude is the key to a great many problems and successes in life. We choose our attitude just as much as we choose the foods we eat or the clothes we wear. It is amazing how a smile can change the way you feel…even if you don’t feel like smiling. Try it and see if it works for you. There is an old song about smiling that says…

Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by...

If you smile
With your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just...smile…. 

God wants us to rely on Him…not on ourselves—so as you are “smiling” focus on the Lord. He is the one that makes life worth “smiling” about. There are always things that we can find to turn our smile upside down—but even then we can choose to look at the brighter side of things and remember that God is with us…He will never leave us or forsake us. Smile it will do your heart good, physically and spiritually.

 

I’m preaching to myself here…I just put my daughter, son-in-law, and three adorable little grandchildren on a plane to fly across the whole United States and live 3,000 miles away. It will be a good move for them…better for their health, but so far away that we can’t just drop over every so often to see them. I just pray for God’s blessing on them…that they find good Christian friends and make good decisions…and smile. I’ll try to, too.

Dear Lord, please protect and guide my family wherever they are. Thank you that they know and seek you. Please give them extra strength, encouragement, love and joy as they begin this New Year. May all our attitudes be pleasing to You and by Your grace my we give you the praise for all our blessings.

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

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

December 29 – Sow and Reap

Sow with a view to righteousness, reap in accordance with kindness; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD until He comes to rain righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12

We reap what we sow…. Farmers and gardeners cannot expect to harvest what they have not planted. Likewise we have to prepared our soil (our hearts) and plant good seeds (promises and guidance from God’s Word) if we expect to produce fruit (like… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…Galatians 5:22-23). Try planting some basil seeds or even just some peas, wheat or sun flower seeds with your kids so that they can see how plants sprout and grow. To bring God’s Word to life, plant some seeds in rocks, hard dirt and good soil—like the parable in Luke 8:5-18.

The sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell beside the road, and it was trampled underfoot and the birds of the air ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky soil, and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture.... Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great. Luke 8:5-6, 8

It is remarkable how all the scripture ties together—but then God is amazing that way. So as instructed in Hosea, prepare your heart, seek the Lord considering His righteousness and you’ll find kindness, probably overflowing to others around you. May this scripture provide you and your family with guidance as you approach the end of this year…and the beginning of the New Year. 

Lord Jesus, give us wisdom as we prepare our hearts for Your word and seek your righteousness. May Your kindness flow through us to those around us whose lives you want to touch.

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

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

December 28 - Bread of Life

"For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world." ... Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst." John 6:33, 35 

I ate some cold left over Italian sausage and spinach pizza yesterday…and it was so tasty—absolutely scrumptious! I so enjoyed it so much that just thinking about it now makes my mouth water. Some things taste great when they are freshly baked and then even better when they’ve “aged.” Pizza is one of those things—but I could eat pizza just about any time of day…any day! What is your favorite pizza topping? Mine is pesto sauce topped with garlic chicken, artichoke hearts and spinach. Adding some sun dried tomatoes makes it even more tasty…along with some feta cheese.

So we could feast on pizza any day…and on God’s word as well. Jesus tells us that He is the bread of life—who God sent down from Heaven to give us life. Life abundantly. There are so many verses about life in the Bible—actually 554 times in the NASB translation. But you can find every conceivable topic as you search through any concordance electronic search. Since the Bible is living it continues to speak in a fresh way... For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12. So what is your favorite scripture? What speaks to your heart today?

This year has gone by so very quickly—only three more days left. Only three days left this year to gather around the Banquet Table with The King and feast on His Word. Only three more days and my goal of a year—365 days, well actually 366 days—of writing daily devotionals for my family…and friends. This has been a special year of real quality time spent with Lord every morning. Focusing—and feasting—on God’s word just puts me in the best frame of mind. So looking back over this year, I can say that I have had a good year. I’ve found that sometimes I spend too much time writing this blog…too much time. How can that be?? Well—it is necessary to do other things like cooking, cleaning and spending time with other people. I’ve neglected that sometimes…and my husband can do a pretty good job of cooking breakfast. Actually he had made some good sausage from scratch this fall. There is really no better thing in life than to spend time with the Lord—but once again I am admonished to be a doer of the word…But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. James 1:22-24. So may I challenge you to be doers of the word, too? Whatever scripture is speaking to your heart, may you not only listen intently, but apply it to your life and in obedience to the Lord, reach out to others.

Lord, As I feast on Your word, I hear You speaking to me…help me to be obedient.

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

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

December 27 – World Could Not Contain All the Books

So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!" Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?" This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.  John 21:21-25

There are so many things that Jesus did…the world could not contain all the books. Hard to image that—and I like to read! Ah—maybe Heaven will be filled with books, too. Enjoy a day of reading…feasting on God’s word or something by your favorite author.

What are your plans for the new year? No better time than now to make changes in your life and habits that reflect your obedience to the Lord. Apply some of that wisdom that you have been praying for and hopefully receiving. Blessings~ 

Lord—give us grace to see and understand your will and your ways for our lives.

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

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

 

December 26 – Yes, Lord. You Know I Love You

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He  said to him, "Tend My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me!" Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" John 21:15-20 

Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him. Of course Jesus knew the answer before He asked…but He was testing Peter. Can’t you just imagine that Peter was squirming just a little remembering that he had denied Jesus three times. Now he was being directed to “Tend and Shepherd my sheep.” Sheep are not especially wise little animals…they tend to follow the leader. So Jesus was telling Peter to take care of His sheep—to wisely lead them down the path they should go. And who are Jesus’ sheep? His believers—then and now. 

Do you think that people who just want to be entertained continually by smart phones, the internet, TV, movies, and sports programs are like sheep who are easily led astray? I’m no different from anyone else hooked on internet social media or Netflix. It is so easy to get sucked in and waste hours chatting or perusing Pinterest board posts. I rationalize that life can’t be productive every minute—and I just need some down time…but really. What does it take for people to make wise decisions of their own? I frequently pray for my children and grandchildren to make wise decisions every day. Wisdom is the key. With 216 occurrences in the Bible (NASB) it can be found frequently especially in verses in Psalms and Proverbs.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever. Psalm 111:10

The fear (respect) of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13

Wisdom—that’s the key. Find wisdom and understanding—and sometimes that might be found in Google searches, but more often Godly wisdom is found in reading His word—feasting once again on Jesus’ red letter words or in the wisdom found in Psalms and Proverbs. Are you seeking wisdom? Where do you find it? 

Lord, now that we are beyond the Christmas day of this year, help us to have wisdom in how you want us to live in the coming new year. Please give us wisdom and understanding as we love you and tend your sheep

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

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

December 25 – Fish For Christmas Breakfast

After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will also come with you." They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So Jesus said to them, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?" They answered Him, "No." And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch." So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish. So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have now caught." Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples ventured to question Him, "Who are You?" knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead. John 21:1-14

I love this story. Jesus had already cooked up fish before He called to them. Of course it was not Christmas morning when Jesus spoke these red letter words to seven of His disciples who were out fishing. He must have known that they were really hungry since He told them to bring some of their fresh catch. Those fishermen didn’t have the sophisticated fish finder equipment that our fishing friends today have, so their nets were empty until Jesus told them just where to throw their net. And who took the time to count those 153 fish? John, Jim and Jerry are three jolly fishermen now who do more catch and release of their fish than haul them home to eat—so it is more about the fish stories than fish frying with them. Jesus wouldn’t have to tell them to throw their lines over the other side of the boat—their fish finder tells them just where the fish are. Do you need Jesus to tell you where to fish? Are you fishing for salmon, rainbow trout, bass, blue gill…or are you fishing for men? Jesus helped His disciples catch a lot of fish that day…and then they went on to persuade thousands of people that Jesus was the Messiah. They did become the Fishers of Men that Jesus called them to be three years earlier. 

So come and have breakfast. Feast on Jesus’ red letter words on this Christmas day. You will likely feast on some turkey, prime rib or ham at some time during this day…but remember Jesus’ words and offer His words of salvation to other people around you. Words like Peace, Love, and Joy are meaningless unless there is an act of kindness associated with them. Jesus didn’t tell people to offer just words to others, but to put actions behind those words.

Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 'For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.' ...The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'  Matthew 25:34-36, 40

We are admonished in James 1:22 to be doers of the word. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. So on this Christmas Day consider what Jesus did for you…and reach out to someone in your circle of family, friends and neighbors who needs the Lord. Share His love as well as peace and joy of the day. Their hunger, thirst, or imprisonment may be a spiritual one, as well as a physical one, and Jesus words can bring the healing touch that they need. Blessings on you as you seek and serve the Lord—on His day and every day. 

 Dear Jesus—help us to see those in need of You, of Your healing touch—and show us how to minister to them in tangible ways.

Happy Christmas!

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

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

December 24 – Seeing is Believing

After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:26-31 

Thomas had to see Jesus face to face to believe. Like Jesus said, Blessed are those who didn’t see and believed anyway. That is you and me…or at least me. I haven’t seen Jesus, but I know where I stand with Him. I believe that He is the Risen Savior—the Lamb of God who has taken away my sin—and the sins of the world. 

Several years ago a lady who was organizing our advent celebration at church asked me if I could paint a picture of Jesus. I said sure—no one knows exactly what Jesus looked like so I felt pretty safe—no photography back then. So my painting of Jesus could be right—or just my artistic interpretation. Then she explained that she wanted it to be on a six foot tall canvas—painted with my hands…not a brush. Well—I said I’d give it a try and I started practicing out in my garage. She provided the canvas which I painted black. The idea was that I would print the names of Jesus in white chalk on the canvas as drama readers recited the names. King of Kings, Savior, Son of God, Jehovah, Alpha, Omega, Promise, Gift, Way, Truth, Life, God, Redeemer, Rose of Sharon, Messiah, Christ. Then a choir of men would sing a Christmas carol while I painted Jesus’ face. I had sketched the face lightly on the canvas with purple chalk so I would have a starting point—I only had 5-7 minutes to do the painting. Well, as I started to paint I realized that there was a purple light shining on the canvas and therefore I could not see my purple chalk line…I prayed, Lord—you’ve got to paint this through me because I’ve nothing to go by. The men sang and I painted. It was an interesting process—the black of the canvas providing the “negative” space for the portrait. Jesus did an amazing job in just a few minutes—and although I’ll never know until I get to Heaven just what He looks like—at least it was a somewhat believable interpretation of my Savior—with a crown of thorns on His head. I believe… and I didn’t even see Him, yet. 

On this eve of the celebration of Jesus’ birth, may you believe in Jesus as your Savior—even without seeing Him. 

Precious Lord—Please continue to work in and through me that others would “believe” without “seeing” You face to face.

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

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

December 23 – What Will It Take For You to Believe?

So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained." But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." John 20:19-25 

Thomas said that he wouldn’t believe unless he touched Jesus’ wounded hands and side. So what will it take for you to believe? We’re about 2000 years later—so we can’t expect to be able to put our fingers into the place the nails went though His wrist. Jesus is in Heaven, seated at the right hand of His Father…waiting. 

Our eyes are on Christmas now—waiting. Children are waiting for Santa Clause to arrive—making special efforts to be good. Adults too celebrate the joy of the season—waiting. Waiting for a holiday meal, waiting in line to purchase a precious gift, or waiting to watch a special TV program or football game. What do you do to celebrate Christmas? Do you put up a Christmas tree, send cards to family and friends, buy or make special gifts, give money or gifts to the needy of your community, or like my own father, wear a “bah-humbug” slogan pin? Christmas can be a time of unmet expectations and disappointments for those not focusing on Jesus—the real gift of the season. My favorite “celebration of Christmas” is the Christmas Eve candle lighting service at church. Usually there is special music and scripture readings proclaiming the promise of God the Father in giving the gift of His only Son—and then with the lights dimmed the congregation is hushed and the lighting of each individual’s candle begins until the whole room is full of tiny glowing lights signifying Jesus light within their own hearts. Silent Night—Holy Night. Yes, it is a Holy Night. The night that Christ was born. Only one more day of waiting. May you believe and find room for Jesus in your heart as you wait for Christmas to arrive.

Heavenly Father—Thank you once again for Your plan of salvation for mankind…and for choosing each of us to know Your one and only Son—Jesus.  

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

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

December 22 – Whom Are You Seeking?

But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. And they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she  said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and  said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and that He had said these things to her.  John 20:11-18 

Mary was looking for Jesus’ body—thinking that someone had taken His body…not realizing that He was resurrected. So at this Christmas season whom are you seeking? Are you looking for a Baby Jesus, for a resurrected Jesus, or for Santa Clause? Do you want someone to just fill your every wish—give you whatever you want? Or are you looking for someone to be your Savior, to forgive you for your sins, and to give you an opportunity to serve Him? Jesus is available to everyone who seeks Him. I love the saying “Wise Men (and Women) Still Seek Him” that I had printed on my Christmas cards a few years ago—it was a popular slogan then. Wise people do seek Jesus—which I guess implies that fools don’t seek Him. In Matthew Jesus gave us a good example of a foolish and wise man building their house or life…on Him, the Rock.

Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall. When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:24-29  

So are you “building” your life on Jesus’ ways and values? Are you “seeking” Him? Be wise. During this time when we think about the Wise Men visiting Baby Jesus, be like those men and look for Jesus. You’ll find Him, like Mary did, and when you do make a note of the way He is working in your life. It will be amazing. 

Dear Jesus, give us wisdom and help us to see You for who You are…the Son of God, the risen Lord and our Savior.

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

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