Prayer Alone

After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. Matthew 14:23 

Jesus was such a good example to us. He taught us to pray (see Matthew 6:5-13) and then showed us that it is important to spend time alone with God. He went up on the mountain by Himself. He didn’t even drag along a few disciples. He went alone. To develop a close relationship with God, we need to spend time alone with Him on a regular basis. Devotions everyday will help you learn more about God—getting into His word. Then you need to consider spending a longer time…an hour, a half-day or even a full day where you concentrate just on God. Pray. Think about Him…His names and attributes. If we want God’s attention and mercy…it tells us in Malachi 3:16… Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. "They will be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." Malachi 3:16-17. Honor God with your attention and focused prayer. Pray scripture back to the Lord…and wait on Him for an answer to your prayers. You can use your time alone with God to pray intercessory prayers, as well as praise and thanksgiving prayers. A good resource for guidance on spending time alone with God—focusing on a day of prayer—is an article by the Navigators on how to spend extended time in prayer” http://www.navigators.org/About-Us/Stories/Navigator%20Stories/March%202006/How%20to%20Spend%20Extended%20Time%20in%20Prayer

Prayer—communicating with God—is so important in developing a relationship with Him. Jesus knew that and He spent time alone with God—our Heavenly Father. Do you? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us today to spend time alone in prayer with God. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus—I want to honor You, the Heavenly Father, and the precious Holy Spirit with my prayers and attention today. May all that I do and say bring glory to You. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

If you are going to spend a day or even a half day in prayer…take along some food—first for your spirit, i.e. your Bible—and then for your body. But keep it simple. Make yourself a turkey, ham and cheese wrap—with some good mustard and cream cheese, some romaine lettuce and julienned apple slices or dried craisins. Wrap it up and take along a dill pickle, some chips and maybe a cookie, along with a couple of bottles of water. Feasting on God’s word will be more important than any food—so keep your focus on Jesus. Imagine His focus on the Heavenly Father when He prayed…and do likewise.

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

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

No Power in Unbelief

And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family." And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:57-58 NLT 

The people in Nazareth knew that Jesus as a boy and young man growing up in Joseph and Mary’s home and they just didn’t believe that He had the power. Power to heal. He didn’t do many miracles there because of their unbelief (Matthew 13:58). My sister-in-law, Evelyn, was having some gallbladder issues and a visit to a doctor here in the States also revealed a cyst on her liver so she went home to the Philippines for medical care. Her cousin there told her about a marvelous faith healer who had healed people from Russia, Sweden, Australia, and all over the Philippines.  So believing that this healer could help her, Evelyn went to see her. No surgery needed now. Her faith has made her well! Faith that the healer could heal her…and faith that the Holy Spirit was working through this faith healer. She is well! Praise the Lord! If the people of Nazareth had believed in the power of Jesus to heal—they would have seen many miracles there, too. Do you have faith to believe that Jesus can heal you?   

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to trust Him…to have faith that He can heal us physically and spiritually. Will you trust Him today? 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I trust You. You are still the great physician. You said…"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:17. We all need Your healing touch in some way. Thank You for caring enough about us to heal us and set us free from disease—spiritually and physically.

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

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

Where Did He Learn?

Then they scoffed, "He's just the carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers--James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?" Matthew 13:55-56 NLT

Where did Jesus learn…where did He get His wisdom and power? When He was just twelve and went to Jerusalem it was recognized that He was very smart. His parents started back to Nazareth without Him and then went back to Jerusalem when they discovered He wasn’t with them. ... after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. …Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2: 46-47, 52.  Jesus is wisdom. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption…. 1 Corinthians 1:30. Where did He learn all these things? He has known the wisdom of the ages and the power of the universe since He created it. He may have appeared to just be the carpenter’s son…but He is so much more. Who is He to you? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to understand Him more deeply—to gain His wisdom for ourselves. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear Lord Jesus, give us insight into Your wisdom and You ways. Guide our thoughts, words and actions as we trust You with all our hearts. We will not lean on our own understanding, but in all our ways we acknowledge You, knowing that You will make our paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

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

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

Miraculous Power

When Jesus had finished these parables (these comparisons), He left there. And coming to His own country [Nazareth], He taught in their synagogue so that they were amazed with bewildered wonder, and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” Matthew 13:53-54 Amplified   

Where did this Man, Jesus, get His wisdom and power? Miraculous power! From where on earth did His power and wisdom originate? Maybe the answer is in Heaven?! Jesus taught in their synagogue—and at the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, "You both know Me and know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent Me." John 7:28-29. God the Father is the One who sent Jesus. His wisdom has existed forever. In the beginning the Word (another name for Jesus) already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. John 1:1-4 NLT. Jesus is Wisdom—Power—Creator…and the ultimate Teacher.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to know Him…to have faith, to trust His wisdom and power. Will you trust Him today? 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I am amazed at Your miraculous wisdom and power. The great power and wisdom that You have from Heaven—that has always existed with You and with our Heavenly Father.

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

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

 

Do You Understand?

Have you understood all these things [parables] taken together? They said to Him, Yes, Lord.  He said to them, “Therefore every teacher and interpreter of the Sacred Writings who has been instructed about and trained for the kingdom of heaven and has become a disciple is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse treasure that is new and [treasure that is] old [the fresh as well as the familiar].” Matthew 13:51-52 Amplified

Do you understand? The parables have hidden knowledge—do you understand? Knowledge is like a treasure—something to get and hold onto it tightly. To understand is sometimes more than just getting the knowledge—it is the ability to comprehend and apply it to your life. Jesus spoke to people in parables so that only those who understood could apply it to their lives. Are you among His chosen people? Do you understand?   

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to look at His word and see if you understand what He is saying. How will you respond to Him?

Prayer ~ Jesus, open my eyes and ears to see and hear and understand Your words.

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

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

Celebrate! Christmas in October

Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Corinthians 5:8  

I just celebrated Christmas with my extended family—in October. We usually get together the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but this year we got together a bit earlier. My sister and her husband got married 25 years ago…and then they were killed eight weeks later. So in honor of them we gathered to celebrate their anniversary…and Christmas. Jesus IS the reason for the season…and the reason for everyday! Celebrate! Celebrate the feast! The FEAST of Christmas. The Jews celebrated the Jewish festivals with feasts as God directed Moses to instruct them. Our celebrations are festivals—but with a different emphasis—Jesus. For our family this weekend it was nice to get-together and party with the emphasis on Jesus and family relationships—not secular emphasis. Try it—celebrate Jesus at a different time of the year than December 25^th. The emphasis will be where you place it. What would you do to celebrate Jesus? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to celebrate Him every day! How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer: Dear Jesus—we celebrate Your birth and Your life. You are the reason for every day…for life. We love You.

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

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

Parables Fulfilled

These things all taken together Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, without a parable He said nothing to them. This was in fulfillment of what was spoken by the prophet: I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things that have been hidden since the foundation of the world. Matthew 13:34-35 Amplified

Jesus was quoting Psalm 78:2-3. 

Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. Psalm 78:1-4

This wasn’t a new concept—it was predicted there in Psalms that He would speak in parables. There were lots of other predictions about Jesus that came true…from His humble birth—to His glorious resurrection. And some day He will be coming back to take His church to Heaven—that is predicted, too. The disciples asked Jesus about His return. As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" Matthew 24:3. Continue reading in Matthew 24 for Jesus’ response. It includes…"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. ... "But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. Matthew 24:14, 29-31. 

Paul wrote about the end times in his letter to the Corinthians. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. We will be changed—but we have to be changed here on earth first—to believe in Jesus as the Son of God if we are to experience Heaven at all.  

RSVP: Can you believe that Jesus is coming back? How will you respond to Him and this promise of His return? 

Prayer ~ Jesus Christ, Lord and Master, I hear Your parables and know that You are giving us wisdom through those words. Continue to speak to me, to my family, friends and neighbors—that we would be blessed to be a blessing to others. Thank You for Your promises. I eagerly await Your return.

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

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

Leaven

He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like leaven (sour dough) which a woman took and covered over in three measures of meal or flour till all of it was leavened. Matthew 13:33 Amplified 

This parable would have spoken to women who could associate the kingdom of heaven with the leaven used in making bread. Leaven is mixed into the dough made up of flour, salt and water. The leaven makes the dough rise. Likewise as the gospel is hidden in people’s heart it grows and changes their hearts. Such is the Kingdom of Heaven. It permeates people’s hearts and lives—making them aware of God’s Kingdom and the way that God wants us to live. Leaven is sometimes referred to as sin…but in this parable it is not sin, but used to show how God’s Kingdom spreads within a person’s heart…and within a community. Has leaven been hidden in your heart? 

RSVP: Jesus is continuing to speak in parables. Has leaven been placed into your heart? How will you respond to Jesus today? 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, allow Your gospel to grow in my heart and life and for Your love to spread to my family, friends and neighbors. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Thinking about leaven and bread brings to mind this Portuguese Sweet Rolls. 

Portuguese Sweet Rolls

½ cup warm potato water (105 degrees F) – from cooking the potato

2 tablespoons (or 2 pkg) instant yeast
½ cup warm milk

½ cup mashed potato

¼ cup melted, unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

½ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon grated lemon or orange peel

4½ to 5 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add yeast to the potato water. Let sit about five minutes. Add all of the remaining ingredients, adding the 4½ cups of flour last, stirring until the dough starts to leave the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, or until it's smooth and shiny. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow the dough to rise till puffy though not necessarily doubled in bulk, about 90 minutes, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.  

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface, and divide it into 24 pieces. Round each piece into a smooth ball. Place the balls in a lightly greased 12 x 12-inch (sticky bun) pan, or equivalent (two 9-inch round pans, a 9 x 13-inch pan.) Cover the pan, and allow the rolls to rise for about 1 hour and doubled in bulk.

Bake the rolls in a preheated 325°F oven for 30 minutes, tenting lightly with aluminum foil after the first 20 minutes. Remove them from the oven when they're golden brown, and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 24 rolls.

hApPy bIrThDaY – Mary Ellen! Blessings~

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

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

The Kingdom of Heaven

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. Matthew 13:44-48 

Jesus spoke to His disciples and followers about the Kingdom of Heaven in several parables. Here He refers to the treasure or the pearl of great worth and the fish that are going—or not going—to heaven. Heaven is a treasure worth seeking. The disciples asked Him about the kingdom. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4. Kids can be so bold and honest. My 5 year old grandson, Isaac, and 2 year old granddaughter, Lydia, were at the neighborhood park nearby, climbing on the play equipment.  Another little girl a couple of years older than Isaac was playing there too. Isaac said to her, “My name is Isaac, and this is my sister, Lydia. Do you believe in God?” She answered him, “We don’t go to church?” So Isaac says, “Well, why don’t you.” She ran off. Now that is bold. The seed is planted that other kids do go to church and do believe in God. He’s that kid that Jesus was talking about. How about you?   

RSVP: Jesus has described the Kingdom of Heaven. Did you hear Him? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, the disciples wanted to know who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Isn’t that You? You are awesome and the treasure of Heaven worth seeking. Thank you for the Your revelation and insights into God’s Kingdom.

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

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

Seeing Eyes, Hearing Ears

But blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied) are your eyes because they do see, and your ears because they do hear. Truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men [men who were upright and in right standing with God] yearned to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.  Matthew 13:16-17 Amplified 

Jesus spoke in parables that people in His time could understand…sheep, farming, hospitality. But some of the people still didn’t see, hear or understand. Jesus was giving instruction and guidance at a spiritual level. Will people today understand any better? Our society today is at such a temporal level. Worldly orientated—not focusing on spiritual matters. Just entertainment…TV, movies, sports, video games and internet exploring. Are your eyes and ears blessed because you see spiritual things that Jesus has taught? He spoke to His disciples—but the message is the same for us. Do we need discernment so that we can understand what He was teaching? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to open your eyes and ears to see and hear not only His words, but to open your heart to Him and understand what He is teaching. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, open my eyes and ears to see and hear Your words…and give me discernment and understanding that I can apply it to my life. Bless my family, friends, and neighbors with this understanding also that their lives would be focused on You. Give us all the desire to live to please You.

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

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

Why Parables?

Then the disciples came to Him and said, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” And He replied to them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has [spiritual knowledge], to him will more be given and he will be furnished richly so that he will have abundance; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is the reason that I speak to them in parables: because having the power of seeing, they do not see; and having the power of hearing, they do not hear, nor do they grasp and understand.”  Matthew 13:10-13 Amplified  

Why parables? Why did Jesus teach in parables? He tells us in this scripture passage that the parables give spiritual knowledge to those who understand and those who don’t understand—just loose out. They don’t see, hear or understand.  That’s how it is today, too. Those who understand spiritual things get more comprehension of God’s kingdom, His will and His way. Those who are blinded or deaf to spiritual things just go on about their way…and don’t have any regard for God’s ways or maybe even God’s family. How do you feel about the stories that Jesus told? Do they make sense to you?

He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:15. If you want more understanding of God…His ways, His mercy, His love and the home He has created in heaven, just ask. Pray for understanding. Jesus told His disciples…"and all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." Matthew 21:22.  

RSVP: Jesus spoke in parables. Listen closely. How will you respond to His words today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I read Your words—I see Your message. Help me to hear and understand—and share this knowledge with others—that they would see, hear and understand. Give us wisdom.

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

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

End of Sermon on the Mount – Are You Amazed?

When Jesus had finished these sayings [the Sermon on the Mount], the crowds were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His teaching, for He was teaching as One Who had [and was] authority, and not as [did] the scribes.  Matthew 7:28-29 Amplified 

Jesus finished His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount there by the Sea of Galilee. In this He was teaching His followers and His disciples about the way of righteous living and the righteousness of God, not about salvation. This is still applicable today.  When you read Matthew chapters 5-7 are you amazed or astonished as the crowd who heard Jesus speak? Do you follow Jesus’ teachings when it comes to His laws of murder reconciliation, adultery, divorce, oaths, nonresistance or love? (Matthew 5:17-48) Do you pray, give, fast, or avoid anxiety as He taught? Do you judge…or not judge? Do you have a foundation in Jesus Christ for your life? (Matthew 6-7).  

RSVP: Jesus has authority given to Him by God the Father. He taught His followers two thousand years ago how to live righteously, and that applies to us today. How will you respond to His teaching today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, You may have been finished teaching that multitude of people there at the hillside near Chorazin, but Your teachings are so very important to me—to help me and my family and friends live in a way that is pleasing to You…and our Heavenly Father. Thank you.

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

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

A Strong Rock Foundation

So everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts upon them [obeying them] will be like a sensible (prudent, practical, wise) man who built his house upon the rock.  And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.  And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a stupid (foolish) man who built his house upon the sand.  And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great and complete was the fall of it. Matthew 7: 24-27 Amplified

What an example of “listen and obey!” Who wants their house to fall down?  Build your house on the rock—literally and figuratively. Jesus IS the rock that He was referring to in this illustration. Obey His words—not just suggestions—but commands and you’ll have a strong house. That house is the temple of the Holy Spirit in your heart. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1 Corinthians 6:19. Be strong. Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a song with actions that kids sing that tells this same story.

The Wise Man Built His House

The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
The wise man built his house upon the rock
And the rain came tumbling down

Oh, the rain came down

And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the wise man's house stood firm.

The foolish man built his house upon the sand

The foolish man built his house upon the sand
The foolish man built his house upon the sand
And the rain came tumbling down

Oh, the rain came down

And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
The rain came down
And the floods came up
And the foolish man's house went "splat!" [clap hands once]
 
So, build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ
And the blessings will come down

Oh, the blessings come down

As your prayers go up

The blessings come down

As your prayers go up

The blessings come down

As your prayer go up

So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ. 

RSVP: Jesus is offering us an invitation today to build our house—our life—on Him. He provides a strong, sure foundation. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I want my life, as well as that of my children, grandchildren, family, friends and neighbors, to be built on Your teachings, values and love. A firm foundation to guide us all in the way we should live and treat others. Thank you Jesus for this practical lesson that will help us to grow more like You every day.

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

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

Does Jesus Know You?

Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name?  And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]. Matthew 7:22-23 Amplified

I think this passage shows us that we should not use Jesus’ name lightly. People doing works and prophesying in His name will NOT necessarily and automatically get into heaven. This is especially true for those who don’t follow His commandments and act unlawfully. Jesus knows people’s hearts and motives—no matter what they say and do. Actions may speak louder than words, but motives and attitudes direct those actions. Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote….” Isaiah 29:13. Be careful what you say. 

RSVP: Jesus is warning those listening to Him speak…including us…that we need to not use His name lightly. How will you respond to His warning? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, help me to always keep Your commandments…and to use Your name wisely.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Lisa.

May God continue to guide and bless you—

as you seek, serve, and honor Him

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

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

The Will of My Father

Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.  Matthew 7:21 Amplified  

Here it is again…doing the will of My Father. You may be wondering …what is the “will” of God? A lot of people struggle with that. The “will of God” or “will of My Father” is used 29 times in the NASB version of the Bible. Here are a few:

-     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 6:40

-     And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

-     For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

-     For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ... For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4,7

So to be in God’s will we need to be repentant and accept Jesus as the Son of God—as our Savior—and to maintain a pure life—sanctified. God expects holiness. 

Will you call out “Lord, Lord” and expect to get into heaven? Expect—but not make it in. How disappointing that will be. Jesus won’t know you unless you know Him. So Jesus says…Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46. Doing what Jesus says is the same as doing the will of God the Father. Jesus listens so closely to His Father—our Father—that He says just what the Father says. Repent, accept, live a holy life.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to follow Him—to live a life pleasing to His Father. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus—I hear that Heaven is a wonderful place and I look forward to having a banquet there with You. I want to do just what You say…and live a life pleasing to You…and to our Heavenly Father—to do His will. Guide my heart, mind and thoughts—continue to sanctify me that I would live a life of holiness unto the Lord. 

Now may You, our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord, direct our way; and may You, Lord, cause us to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for You; so that You may establish our hearts without blame in holiness before You, our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13.  

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

What’s for supper? How many times a day or a week do you hear this?

Menu planning is the key to less stress and better budget control. You only buy what you need…and with no waste you’ll save money.  

Years ago when I took a Chinese cooking class I learned that every meal should have a crunchy, a soft, a spicy and a bland component. Consider dishes that meet nutritional needs, dishes that you enjoy preparing and your family’s favorites.  Start planning for the next seven days.

1.      Check ads to see what is on sale and use those as the basic items for evening meals. Plan your menu using variety: Slow cooker, grill, stir-fry, soup, ethnic, pasta, casserole, salad, quick and easy, pizza, left-overs, and new dish. Check recipes to see that you have all the ingredients necessary—either on your list or on your pantry shelf.

2.      Shop—and be flexible if you find better bargains than were listed in the ads. Use seasonal items. Be sure to pick up staples that you have on your shopping list.

3.      Put food away when you get home. Do your final menu plan considering the items you bought when you shopped and your family’s schedule, i.e. sports practices or games, church events or weekly Bible studies.

4.      Post your menu on your refrigerator so that everyone knows “What’s for Supper.”

5.      As the week progresses, cook up things that can be planned ahead—especially things that can be used for two meals, like roasted chicken and then chicken enchiladas or chicken salad.

6.      Focus on quick and easy meals for the days when you are extra busy.

7.      Once a week use a new recipe…and if it is a hit with your family then add it to your favorites list.

8.      Happy menu planning…and eating!

Happy Okinawa B-day, Lisa-Chan.

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

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

Healthy Trees Bear Good Fruit

A good (healthy) tree cannot bear bad (worthless) fruit, nor can a bad (diseased) tree bear excellent fruit [worthy of admiration]. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits. Matthew 7:18-20 Amplified

This is the harvest time of the year and we’ve seen several semi-trucks of apples being hauled down the highway on their way to the apple storage or processing plants nearby. The orchard trees are laden with fruit and we’ve already picked the apples on the tree in our backyard. Nothing like good fresh fruit, but it does take some work to get perfect fruit. Everyone just takes for granted that those apples in the store—perfect and shiny are how all the apples on the trees look. Not so. The trees have to be healthy to produce good blossoms and then develop into good fruit. It takes some effort on the part of the orchardist to protect the blossoms from freezing, then thinning and culling out the small apples as they begin to grow, and then pest management so that they aren’t eaten up by bugs. A lot of prayer helps to so that the fruit isn’t damaged by wind or heavy rain. The orchardist cuts down the trees that are diseased or don’t produce fruit. He can’t afford to have a rotten tree jeopardize his whole orchard. His orchard is known by the quality of the fruit that is produced there. That’s just as it is in God’s kingdom. People are known by the quality of their fruit—the productivity in their lives. Are you productively working for the Lord?  

RSVP: Jesus is warning us that people are known by their fruits—their efforts for the Lord. How will you respond to His call today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You have led us to a life of productivity for You. Help us to produce good fruit for You, encouraging others to seek and serve You.

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

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

What Kind of Fruit Do You Bear?

You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit. Matthew 7:16-17 Amplified 

Fruit. What does it mean to bear fruit? Bearing fruit is what we do…is it pleasing to God? That is what He wants us to do.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. ... My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. John 15:2, 8. In John 15:7, Jesus talks about asking in prayer for what we want. So if we want to be fruitful—we need to ask. If we want to bring others to an understanding of who Jesus Christ is…then we need to ask. In doing that we bear fruit. We can expect to be pruned…so that we are more pleasing to God and so that we can draw more people to Christ. That is what our life—or spiritual life—is all about. We need to tell others about God, about Christ, about the Holy Spirit, and about their love for us. Bear fruit and glorify our Heavenly Father. Not only be Jesus’ disciple, but bring others to Him so that they can be His disciples. That’s bearing fruit.  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to be a healthy tree and bear food fruit. Will you make that choice today as you respond to His invitation? 

Prayer ~ Thank you Jesus for Your love and for Your guidance in our lives that we would seek to be fruitful, bearing good fruit that is pleasing to You and to our Heavenly Father. 

Thank you to those who prayed after my September 26^th blog post. A miracle did happen! The ultrasound of our grandchild who is to be born in February showed a cyst on the brain and possible heart abnormalities. Several days later after much prayer—during a visit to a pre-natal specialist an ultrasound showed NO CYST and a normal heart. Praise the Lord! He is merciful and powerful!

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

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

Don’t Trust Wolves Who Look Like Sheep

Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. Matthew 7:15 Amplified 

False prophets were around during Jesus’ time…and they are here now.

o   When His disciples ask about the end times, Jesus told them…Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. ... Matthew 24:11 and …For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24

o   Peter wrote to Christians dispersed throughout the known world…But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2 Peter 2:1

Wolves aren’t to be trusted—nor are sheep that are really wolves in disguise. False prophets aren’t to be trusted. Their silver tongues speak words that sound good, true and excellent—but beware of those smooth talkers. Test anything prophetic against the Word of God. Does it match up with the Truth? 

RSVP: Jesus is telling us to beware of false prophets. Will you listen and respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, … false prophets also will arise among us, just as there will also be false teachers among us, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying You as the Master who bought us, bringing swift destruction upon themselves…from 2 Peter 2:1. Open our eyes to see Your Truth and to identify false prophets in our midst. We give you the praise, honor and the glory—for You are the Truth, the Way and the Life.

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

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

Wide or Narrow?

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it.  But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it. Matthew 7:13-14 Amplified 

Destruction is an easy way—anyone can find it—or come upon it by chance. Just meander down a wide street. The narrow way is not easy to find…look for it—seek to find it. It mostly likely will not happen just by chance. God will draw you to Himself, but will you be willing to seek Him and His straight, pure and holy way? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you to seek the narrow gate and walk into His straight path. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank you for showing me the narrow way…the path that leads to life. Continue to guide me that I may show others the pathway to the narrow gate and the truth of Your way and Your love.

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

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

The Golden Rule Rules

So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them, for this is (sums up) the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 Amplified 

Treat others the way you want them to treat you. The Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Be holy, like God is holy. When we have holiness in our life…we will treat others in a holy manner…just like we would treat God. That would make life golden—pure and ideal. We can only hope for something so wonderful. How have you been treating others lately…how have they treated you?  

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you treat others as the way you want to treat others. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~  Jesus, help me to treat others the way You would treat them.

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

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