Body and Blood?

Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever." John 6:53-58

Truly, truly. Jesus is telling them the truth. He repeats what He just said in verse 35 and then in verses 47-51: He is the bread of life--the living bread--so alive that the bread is His flesh. That is pretty much "living" bread. A couple of years later He tells His disciples during their last Passover Meal together that the bread He was serving them was His body...and the cup was His blood (Luke 22:19-20). They were to remember Him when they ate together. This historical event is told by Paul to the Corinthian church...For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me." In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. Consider in your heart what Jesus said to His disciples. Are you one of His disciples today? Are you spiritually partaking of His body and blood? Communion offers us physical elements of a spiritual connection with Christ. Partake in His body and blood--given for you by our righteous living Lord and Savior. Jesus Christ.

RSVP: Jesus is once again explaining about eternal life. Will you accept His invitation and share eternity with Him?

Prayer~ Lord God, Your plan for eternal life is so simple and yet so deeply intense that some people just can't seem to see the truth. Your truth. Jesus truly is the Savior--He is my Savior. I needed saving from my sin--and He was there--hanging on the cross for me. Shedding His body and blood for me. Thank you, Jesus--seems hardly enough. And yet we can't escape that Jesus has already done that for us...for me and for you. Died--giving up His body and shedding His blood...for me...and for you. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Living Bread

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh." John 6:47-51

Living Bread. Dying Bread. Which would you rather have? Some people are put off by Jesus saying that the bread of life is His flesh. Even the Jews argued about a man giving his flesh to eat. Jesus gave His life, literally, His flesh and blood, for us on the cross. He is offering His body to us as spiritual food--for though He is fully human, He is also fully spirit as the living God. It is necessary to have this spiritual part of Jesus, His body and blood, for us to have spiritual life. Ask Jesus for it if you want eternal life.

RSVP: Jesus is once again offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. His invitation is for eternity. Will you accept His invitation? If you have already responded personally to His invitation, will you share it with others?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, give us Your body and blood. Fill us with a deeper spiritual awareness and understanding of You and help us to reveal You to others.

 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

No One Has Seen God

Not that any man has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father. John 6:46

No one has seen God the Father face to face. In the Old Testament there are a few occasions where people have been in the presence of God. Abraham saw the flaming torch of God when God made a covenant with Abram in Genesis 15.  Jacob wrestling with God (or Jesus) in Genesis 32:24-30; then there was Moses and the Burning Bush; Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu with seventy elders of Israel beheld God and ate and drank in His presence near Mt. Sinai in Exodus 24:9-11; the children of Israel were lead by God as a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night through the desert in the Exodus; Judges 13:3-23 describes what Sampson's parents thought was God, but was actually an angel of God, when they were promised the birth of Sampson; and at least two visions of God are recorded in Isaiah 6:1 and Daniel 7:9. No one sees God since He is a spirit, John 1:18, John 4:24. Jesus was in Heaven with God the Father, before He came down to earth, so Jesus has seen God. In this verse in John 6:46 Jesus is telling the multitude after the feeding 5,000 men and us that He alone has seen God. He is from God. Read between the lines and He will tell you that He wants you to know His Father...and see His Father.

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to see God the Father through Him. Can you read that between the lines? How will you respond to His invitation today?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, give us eyes to see our Heavenly Father as You have.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Listen Without Grumbling

Jesus answered and said to them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me." John 6:43-45

Just listen...don't grumble. Just like little kids the Pharisees were grumbling among themselves. Jesus told them not to grumble. And then He says everyone who has listened, they will learn from God the Father...and will be given eternal life. Are you listening and actually hearing what God the Father is saying? Are you learning from Him? That should be our greatest desire---to know more about Jesus and about God the Father. How do we do that you may ask? It is so simple...and yet since it will take our time...so it is difficult. At the end of several of His parables, Jesus said...He who has ears, let him hear. Matthew 13:9. Even the disciples didn't understand Jesus underlying message in some of the parables. So they asked Jesus to explain what He meant. In Matthew 13:13-17 He explains to the disciples why He was speaking in parables. Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled. You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them. But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear. For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Do you hear? Do you see?

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to listen to God the Father. Do you have a teachable attitude? Are you listening and learning from God the Father? How will you respond to Jesus today...and to our Heavenly Father?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, take away my grumbling spirit and fill me anew with a desire to listen and learn.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Bread of Life

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. But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day." John 6:35-40

Jesus kept telling people...the disciples, other followers, the woman at the well, the Pharisees...that He was the bread of life and living water. But some people still didn't believe in Him. His promise--and the promise of His Father--to give eternal life to those who believe. What a promise! Can't pass it up.

RSVP: So are you listening? Did you hear Jesus' invitation to believe in Him? How will you respond to His invitation? If you have already responded to His invitation, will you share this invitation with others?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, I hear you calling...offering an invitation to not only people in Biblical times--but now, too. Help me to share Your invitation with others around me. I praise You for You are the living bread and water that gives eternal life--spiritual life.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Walking on Water

Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. But He said to them, "It is I; do not be afraid." So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. John 6:16-21

Splish splash. The water must have been splashing against the sides of the boat as the disciples looked out and saw Jesus walking towards them. How can anyone walk on water? There is another story recorded of Jesus walking on the water and Peter goes out of the boat to meet Him--but Peter sinks into the water before he reaches Jesus. He said, “Come ahead.” Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Matthew 14:28-30 The Message. Would you have the courage that Peter had to climb out of the boat? What would it take for you to believe that deeply in the power of Jesus?

RSVP: Jesus is offering us the opportunity, an invitation, today not to be afraid--but to trust Him--to accept His power and what He can do in your life. How will you respond today to His invitation. 

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, some people joke about walking on water--but I believe it was no joke when You walked on the water. You are amazing and I praise you for who You are...my Lord and Savior, the Creator God and my friend. Please help me to share You with others that they would one day gather around Your Banquet Table and feast with you forever.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Food for 5,000

Jesus answered them and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal." John 6:26-27

Some of those 5,000 men that were fed just wanted Jesus to continue to feed them so that they could be full. Lazy oafs. Only concerned about their rumbling stomachs. Jesus was talking about spiritual food--eternal food. Eternal life which He offers to every one who believes in Him.

RSVP: Just as Jesus offered food for eternal life to those who following Him 2000 years ago, He offers that same food to everyone one today. How will you respond to Jesus' invitation? 

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, I come to You today, hopeful and grateful for the Invitation to Your Table for eternity. 

Friday's Feast at the King's Table
Menu for Feeding 5,000 People
Start with five loaves of bread and two fish. Add Prayer. 
It actually takes an enormous amount of food to feed 5,000 people. Those "loaves" at Jesus meal may have been more like unleavened pita bread. So it would be say 10,000 pita breads or 1,000 times the following recipe. Hours worth of work--and Jesus did it all with a simple prayer.

Pita Bread
1 1/4 cups warm water (100 degrees to 110 degrees)
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil, plus more for bowl

Pour water into the bowl of an electric mixer. Sprinkle yeast over water, and stir to dissolve. Use the paddle attachment to mix in 1 1/2 cups flour. Cover bowl; let sit in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours, until dough has doubled in bulk.

Sprinkle salt over flour and yeast mixture, and add olive oil and remaining 1 1/2 cups flour. Mix on medium-low speed until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Transfer dough to a floured work surface, and knead about 10 turns, forming a ball. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until dough has doubled in bulk, about 1 1/4 hours.

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Turn dough out onto a board, and cut in half. Cut each half into four pieces, and form each piece into a ball. Cover them loosely with a piece of plastic wrap to keep the dough from drying out. On a floured work surface, roll two balls into circles 7 inches in diameter and slightly less than 1/4 inch thick. Bake on an ungreased baking sheet until puffed and light brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Repeat, baking two pita breads at a time. Makes ten small pita breads.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Alone Again

So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. John 6:15

Alone. Jesus felt the need to be alone. He liked to spend time just focusing on God the Father, to hear what He had to say--to get direction. But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. Luke 5:16. He would slip away. Once He became so well known this must have been more difficult to do. It was by choice--specific determination that Jesus took time to pray--to meet alone with the Heavenly Father. That is our choice also...to meet--or not to meet--with the Heavenly Father and Jesus, the Son, every day--or as often as we choose.

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to meet with Him...and with His Father, our Heavenly Father. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, like You, I want to spend time alone with God. Sometimes what I want just doesn't happen since I allow other people or things to control my time. Help me to consider my options, moment by moment...that I would choose to serve You and to seek guidance from You. Alone.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Do You Have Food for 5,000 People?

...Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?" This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little." One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?" Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. When they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost." So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Therefore when the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, "This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world." John 6:1-14

Five thousand men, plus the women and children that were with them. It may have been as many as 15,000 people. That is a lot of people. When was the last time you saw 15,000 people or even 5,000 people in the same place? Well, some of us saw the 82,500 people at the Super Bowl recently. That was a crowd, but no one offered them free food. October 5, 2013 a group of  top chefs offered a free lunch to 5,000 people in Edinburgh, Scotland. Several churches in Florida, North Carolina and Alabama have had projects to feed 5,000 people. If God cares about people--we should, too. The scripture tells us that the people were full--not just that they all had something, a little to eat. They were full. Satisfied. That's how you want people to treat you, right? So that is how we should treat others. Back to the Golden Rule. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Luke 6:31 That is a good rule to follow. Try to teach that to your children. Be their example. Can you feed 5,000 people?

RSVP: Is Jesus calling you to help feed 5000 people? How will you respond today?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, show me how I can serve others for You. How and where do I begin to feed 5,000?

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Hope?

Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words? John 5:45-47

Who is your hope? Do you put your trust in Jesus--knowing that He will never leave you or forsake you? What does it mean to trust or have hope in someone? Jesus provides for us...Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7. He offers His protection, too...But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3. What more could we need?

RSVP: Jesus is offering each of us hope. Hope in Him. A bright future with Him...with His protection...with His provision. How will you respond to His offer?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, Thank You for offering such hope to me, my family, friends...and to everyone in the world...in all times and all places. You are truly a loving and giving God. I praise You with all of my heart, soul and mind.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Do Not Ignore Jesus

I do not receive glory from men; but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God? John 5:41-44
I’m not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God? John 5:41-44 The Message

Don't be like the Pharisees to whom Jesus was speaking. Jesus said that they either "dismiss me or avoid me". Do you ever avoid interacting with Jesus? I think that when we put other things or people ahead of Jesus...we are avoiding Him. Jesus told us in Matthew 6:33...But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Of course in that passage He was talking about God providing food and clothes and everything we need if we seek His kingdom first--that we should pretty much focus our attention on Him and the way He wants us to live. Can we do that?

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to focus our lives on Him...not on crowd approval...not giving in to peer pressure. He wants us to focus on Him...to seek Him first. How will you respond to His invitation today?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing to my attention the importance of not ignoring You. Help me, my children, and grandchildren to focus our attention on You today...and every day. You are worthy of our attention.

For Patsy Jeske - My heartfelt condolences go out to my cousin Patsy on the passing of her brother, David Jeske. David was injured in an auto accident over 44 years ago and spent the rest of his life like a seven year old. You've been courageous in your care for him...may God now fill you with His love as you find a new normal in your life without David. Love and Blessings.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Do You Search for Messiah?

And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form. "You do not have His word abiding in you, for you do not believe Him whom He sent. "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. John 5:37-40

Jesus was speaking to Jews, Pharisees in particular, who did not see or seek Him as Messiah. Do His words ring true in your life? Are you searching the Scriptures for eternal life? Remember that the Jews in Jesus' time only had the Old Testament. Hidden within the Old Testament are glimpses of prophesy and the truth revealed that the Son of God would come to save mankind from their sins...but Jesus was speaking to the Jews who were looking tfor a political savior, not a spiritual savior. Are you looking for a spiritual savior today?

RSVP: Jesus is offering us an invitation to listen to His words...to seek Him as our Savior. HOw will you respond to Him today?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, I hear You speaking to me and I give You my attention today--turning off the distractions, like TV, sports, novels, movies and games that I can focus on You. You are worthy of my time and attention.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Living in His Will

I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not true. There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true. John 5:30-32

Jesus admits He can do nothing on His own initiative...very human. That's the way I feel, too. But I have an advantage...I can do all things through Him (Jesus Christ) who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. All believers in Jesus have that advantage...we just have to ask for His help and strength.

Additionally this verse for today above tells us that Jesus humbly doesn't seek His own will...unlike most of us humans who just want to do what they want...to fulfill their own goals, dreams and desires. He had His Father's goals, dreams, and desires in mind with His every thought, word and action. Can we choose to do the same?

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to seek His Father's will for our lives. How will you respond to His invitation?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, show us Your Father's will for our lives. Help us to live to please Him and to honor You.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Don't Be Surprised

Don't be so surprised! Indeed, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God's Son, and they will rise again. Those who have done good will rise to experience eternal life, and those who have continued in evil will rise to experience judgment. John 5:28-29 NLT
There are times when some people loves surprises...birthdays and holidays--or just special occasions when you get to see someone you haven't seen for a long time. But Jesus is saying don't be so surprised when people rise from the dead--literally come out of their graves and live again...or face eternal judgment--the fire pit of hell. We have a choice as to which it will be for us...eternal life or eternal death. I have chosen to believe in Jesus as my Savior and Redeemer--so I've chosen life. It's not a hard choice, but it isn't always an easy choice for some people. They don't feel worthy...they feel like they'd have to give up too much to follow Jesus...or they just wait too long. Jesus is telling us not to be surprised...that includes the timing. Earlier, after His baptism, Jesus said..."The time promised by God has come at last!" The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News! Mark 1:15 NLT. Jesus was indeed talking about those physically dead raising from their graves. There are other examples of this in scripture. Jesus raised His friend Lazareth from the dead as it is recorded in John 11:1-45. It is prophesied...Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace. Daniel 12:2 NLT.  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 NASB. The dead will rise first. Perfect bodies from ashes and dust. What a sight that will be! 

RSVP: Jesus is offering us an invitation to avoid a surprise. Know what is going to happen to you--eternal life in a resurrected, restored body...or eternal judgment in a fiery pit. Your choice. How will your respond to Jesus' invitation?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, as it is written in Isaiah 26:19...Your dead will live; their corpses will rise. Those who lie in the dust, awake and shout for joy, for Your dew is as the dew of the dawn, and the earth will give birth to the departed spirits. I praise You Jesus, for Your gift of eternal life--with no surprises, no strings attached.

Friday's Feast at the King's Table
We had some wonderful seafood recently at an oceanside restaurant as the sun was setting. No surprise that it was a beautiful evening. One of the things on the menu which everyone tasted and enjoyed was the Garlic Corn Soup. I've adapted a couple of recipes to create my version of this tasty soup. Enjoy.

Garlic Corn Soup
4-5 ears corn
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 small onion or 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, grated
1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper
4 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish
Garlic oil (Over low heat, cook 1 head of garlic, pealed and smashed, in 1 cup olive oil for about 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature.) 
Roast the corn on a BBQ, in the husks, if possible, or roast at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cut the corn kernels from the cob; reserve all of the juice from the cob, as well as the cobs.
In a soup pot, melt the coconut oil and add the olive oil. Let the onions cook over low heat in the covered soup pot to sweat, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic in the last couple of minutes, then add the corn kernels except for the reserved kernals. Sweat for an additional 5 minutes. Add the thyme, season with salt and pepper and stir. Remove from the heat and allow to cool, reserve about 1/2 cup of the corn. Pour into a blender and blend until smooth. Add the stock, the reserved corn and cobs and simmer until the corn is tender, about 20 minutes.
Remove the cobs. Serve in individual bowls, garnising with chives and a swirl of garlic oil.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

The Time is Now

Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. "For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. John 5:25-27

The dead will hear. Those dead spiritually? Our God is a spiritual being...so it makes sense that Jesus was talking about those who are spiritually dead hearing His voice...hearing His words of life and come alive. Spiritually. There is such a spiritual dimension to our life. Have you seen some of the previews for current movies? Now there are some freaky spiritual forces at work. One movie that I am really looking forward to seeing the Noah's Ark movie, NOAH, that will come to theaters on March 28th. The people of Noah's time faced judgment for their evil ways--death by water. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). What will it take for us to find grace in the eyes of the Lord? 

RSVP: Jesus is offering us an invitation to hear His voice. Will you open your ears and your heart to hear Him?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, I listen carefully to what You, for You speak peace to Your faithful people. Let us not return to foolish ways, as it says in Psalms 85:8 NLT.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

No Judgment for the Believer

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. John 5:24

Listen closely to what Jesus is saying in that verse above. What a promise! No judgment for the believer. I like that.  Judgment will lead to death--but believing in Jesus leads to eternal spiritual life in a wonderful place...Heaven.

RSVP: Jesus is offering everyone who hears and believes eternal life. Have you responded to His invitation? Are you willing to extend that invitation to others around you who may not have heard His invitation yet?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, just as You said...blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. Luke 11:28. Help me, my children, and my grandchildren to listen to Your word and do what You say that we would not have to face judgment, but enjoy our eternal spiritual life with You. May we forever feast at Your banquet table.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Honor the Judge

For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. John 5:22-23

Judgment. There are a lot of verses concerning judgment in both the Old and New Testaments. Here are a few.
  And Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind. John 9:39
  And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.... John 16:8
  For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13
  The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. ... For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:7, 17
  But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:7
  By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. 1 John 4:17
  ...to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. Jude 1:15
Everyone passes judgment on others, but the eternal spiritual judgment is pronounced by Christ Himself. We only have the choice of choosing Him and living to please Him...or not.

Honor. To give respect is to honor. Honor and judgment are linked in that when we honor God through Jesus Christ, we are honoring the Son, as the scripture of the day describes and we are ensuring that we will be judged as righteous by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

RSVP: Jesus will be the ultimate judge. How will you respond to honor Jesus today?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psalms 19:14)

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Life or Death?

For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel. "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. John 5:16-21

Jesus healed people when and where they were. It didn't matter what day of the week it was. The Jewish leaders were angry with Him for healing on the Sabbath. They had such strict legalistic rules. And to top it off, Jesus was saying that He was equal with God the Father. That really annoyed them. No one could be equal with God. Jesus wanted people to get excited about the power of God--but the Jewish leaders were not going to marvel at anything. They were going to use Jesus' power against Him...as they plotted to kill Him. Jesus was wanting to give life...eternal life. They were wanting to give death--but it was just a physical death.

RSVP: Jesus gives life to those He wants to. Would you like Him to give you life...abundant life?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. Please continue to give eternal and abundant life to me, as well as my children, grandchildren, other family and friends.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Stop Sinning?

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you." John 5:14 NASB
But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, "Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you." John 5:14 NLT

Jesus was talking to the man that He had healed at the Pool of Bethesda. He sought out the man and told him not to sin anymore. Was He inferring that the man's sin had made him sick...for thirty-eight years? Does our sin make us sick? Some people believe that--and it is likely that unforgiven sin can result in bitterness and cause tension in the body and thus result in illness. In the verse above Jesus said...stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you. Is that motivating to you?  I think that I can't stop sinning without Jesus' help. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 

RSVP: Jesus is telling us, just like the man by the pool, to stop sinning. How will you respond to Jesus today?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, please forgive me for my sin, as well as those of my children and my grandchildren, other family and friends. We trust You to take away our sins and to give us peace, joy and love in our lives on a daily basis...not just when we desperately seek You.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Do You Want to Get Well?

Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, [waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.] A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, "Do you wish to get well?" The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Get up, pick up your pallet and walk." Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day. John 5:2-9

Do you want to get well? Silly question---who wouldn't want to get well? Sometimes we get so caught up in the whoa is me...that maybe we don't want to get well...or we don't take care of ourselves--so we get sick. This man was dependent on others to get him down to the Pool of Bethesda to get well--but no one would help him in time. Does that happen to us? Will you trust Jesus to just speak to you and heal you like He healed this man? Is it a physical or spiritual touch that you need?

RSVP: How will you respond to Jesus' invitation to day...do you want to get well? Will you believe in Him to help you?

Prayer~ Lord Jesus, I believe that You can heal me...You can help me. You have sent me to help others...and others to help me. Thank you for your plan...that while You are with us always, You send others to help us--and us to help others.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.