Wisdom Leads to Salvation

You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Read Proverbs 8. It has a lot to say about wisdom—the qualities of wisdom, the origin of wisdom and the man of wisdom. Wisdom was established when Jesus created the heavens (verse 27), so it has existed forever! Nothing can compare with wisdom—it is better than jewels or pure gold (vs. 10-11). A person who finds wisdom finds life (v.26). That directly ties in with the 2 Timothy scripture that wisdom leads to salvation—eternal life. What could be more important? When you find wisdom—share it with your children, your grandchildren, other family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers…anyone who doesn’t know the Lord. If it is more precious than gold to you, you may want to keep it to yourself—but this is one thing of great value that you will want to share—and to hope for eternal life for all those with whom you share. Spread the wealth around.

Family Adventure Time – Kids love a treasure hunt. Make up a treasure hunt either indoors or outdoors for your children. You can bury or hide the letters that spell out W-I-S-D-O-M or wrap little treats and treasures (get some trinkets at the dollar store) in the letters W-I-S-D-O-M. Direct the children to the first letter by giving them a clue, like “look under the middle cushion of the sofa” or “find the largest truck and look for a clue on it.” With each letter give a clue to find the next letter. When they’ve found all the letters, ask them what the letters spell.  You may want to do the same for E-T-E-R-N-A-L L-I-F-E and mix up the letters. Then the children have to unscramble the letters to see the message. Read the verse together. Have them each recite a “Wisdom” memory verse.

Lord, give us wisdom and with it understanding. Open our eyes that we can see how to apply this wisdom to our lives and share it—and Your plan for eternal life—with others.

Adapted from August 8, 2013 blog.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Jesus Gives Wisdom

Gossips in the Utah desert

Then He said to them, "Nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will be a time for you to serve as witnesses. Therefore be resolved not to rehearse ahead of time how to make your defense. For I will give you the words along with the wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. Luke 21:10-15 NET

From where do you get your wisdom? Your father or grandfather, Wikipedia, your daily paper, your Bible, ancient history, or your best friend? Here Jesus is telling us that in the end times He will give us wisdom. The ultimate source of wisdom—Jesus. I look forward to those end time days—even with the promised tribulations. It will be exciting to know that we are in God's planned times—with His hand on us and His words in our mouths. Wise words—witnessing for Him. Let it be! 

 Family Time - Chances are your children already have some ideas about wisdom and wise people. With your family, make a list of all the characteristics of a wise person. Here are a few to get you started: smart, good listener, honest, considerate, doesn't do foolish dumb stuff, makes good decisions, and follows God's word. Then discuss what they can do to be wiser.

Lord Jesus, we look forward to you giving us wisdom in the end-times, but we need your wisdom now—and understanding that we can share the Gospel with others today—not waiting for the end-times.

Adapted from August 7, 2013.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Grace Through Jesus Christ

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'" For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John 1:14-17

Living Water - near the head of the Jordan River

Can we develop the character trait of “grace” like that of Jesus? This scripture passage tells us that “grace and truth were realized”—obtainable—through Jesus Christ. Jesus was and is full of grace and truth. Full of grace, God’s unmerited favor. Acceptance. Yes, we can show grace, like Jesus, by showing undeserved acceptance. Jesus spoke to the woman at the well—when no one else in society would speak to her—no respectful men or women. That is why she was at the well in the middle of the day. Other women had already been to the well to draw their water for the day. She could not socialize with them. Jesus spoke to her and told her who He was…the Messiah. He was the Living Water. He had not revealed that to everyone He met. He was certainly showing her undeserved acceptance—the very grace of God. Do you show such acceptance of others? How about the homeless on the street, or those begging for money? How about your own children? Do you show them that you “accept” them even if you don’t approve of their actions?

Family Activity – How do you show “acceptance” of your children…and your spouse? Do you give them hugs and kisses every day—morning and night? Do you tell them that you love them…no matter what? Does that include telling them that you love them, but don’t approve of their actions…whatever it was that they did that was not acceptable? In her book, Happier at Home, author Gretchen Rubin suggest that families “Give Warm Greetings and Farewells.” This means stopping whatever you are doing when someone enters or leaves your home and give them a hug or kiss as a warm greeting. Focusing this attention on each other for just a few moments is a great way of showing acceptance—of demonstrating God’s grace and love. Try it and see if it improves the family value of acceptance and grace in your home—and with that the level of God’s love flowing through each of you. It might just become a forever habit for your family…not just a week’s activity.

Lord God, please give us grace to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can and the wisdom to know the difference.

Adapted from July 18, 2013…

Happy Birthday, Melissa.

We’re so glad you are a part of our family…and the Family of God! Hugs.

May God continue to bless and guide you.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Enthusiastically Repent

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19

It is so good to be loved. I can’t imagine a world without love…but I know it is there. It is there in the homes with child abuse and neglect…it is there in that sinful sex and slave trafficking that exists around the world. Heaven help us…Lord help them.

Those of us who know the Lord Jesus as our savior are blessed to be loved, unconditionally. With that love comes the correction and discipline that John writes about in this message to Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22). Correction and discipline are not always pleasant—actually I’ve found them to be humbling. A Christian friend of mine once corrected me…and as an adult I was at first a bit taken aback. How could anyone think that they needed to point out my flaws…much less tell me that I should change my way of treating others. Hmmph. But she was right…and later I thanked her for pointing out to me that I needed to change. That was unconditional love. God loves us just how we are, but He wants us to change and be like His son Jesus. That was how my friend was treating me. Change and do things Jesus’ way. OK. I zealously repented and changed my way. Have you ever been confronted by a friend or the Holy Spirit telling you that you need to repent and change your ways? Take a look inside of you and see how God wants you to change…to be more like Jesus. Then repent of your old ways…and ask God to help you change your ways with a zeal and enthusiasm for the Lord.

Several years ago in the back of an old Bible I had written this definition for sin that was originally from Suzanne Wesley, mother of Charles and John Wesley. “Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, takes off your relish for spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of the body over the mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may seem in itself.”  So by this definition, sin can be a lot of different things to different people. Ask your children what “sin” is to them. What are their sins that they need to give up…repent? 

Beach life...rocks at Folly Beach, SC

Family Summer Activity – Do your kids know what it means to repent? Gather up some palm size or smaller rocks.  Let the kids each choose one rock and then write their sin…in one or two words…on that rock. Go to a nearby ocean, lake, creek, or river and pray for forgiveness for those sins. Have the children enthusiastically throw their rocks into the water. Those sins will never float back up to the surface…they are gone forever. If possible, let them wade out into the water…and see if they can find their rock floating, drifting or swimming. Very visual and tactile experience.

Lord God, thank you for forgiving us for our sins. As you taught in the Lord’s Prayer…forgive our sins as we forgive others. So help us to forgive those who have sinned against us, too. Thank you for friends who care enough...love enough...to confront and correct us.

Adapted from July 16, 2013…

Happy 3^rd Birthday, Aaron.

Faster than the speed of lightening!

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Veggies for the King’s New Wise Men

Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. Daniel 1:20

King Nebuchadnezzar evaluated the young Jewish scholars who he’d taken captive from Jerusalem. He found Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah to be the smartest and most capable, so he put them in his personal service. What an honor for them to work for the king—but it put them in a sort of awkward position above some of the local folks. The magicians and enchanters in the king’s realm weren’t too happy to have the king relying on these young foreigners, so they plotted against them. The story of Daniel and his friends goes on—see the next few chapters in the book of Daniel. Do you think that Daniel and the other Jewish young men could attribute their success to their diet of vegetables (see Daniel 1:16)?  They certainly treated their bodies as the Temple of God—keeping it pure and holy. Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

Do you like vegetables? How often do you eat them?  The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that we fill half of our plate at each meal with fruits and vegetables. Within that half-plate, more than half of it should be vegetables. What are your favorite vegetables? There are such a variety—especially at this time of the year. Below is a list of vegetables to consider the benefits for your body—the Temple of God.

Prayer ~ Lord, help us to choose healthy foods to eat that would bring You honor and glory. It’s all about choice…food, thoughts, words, and actions. May these all be pleasing to You.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Daniel and his friends were used to eating a diet of vegetables—what we would consider a vegetarian diet today. No meat, no wine. Only water to drink. No smoothies. Those would probably raise their blood sugar level too high. Here’s a short list of vegetables and their benefits. What will you eat today?

Artichokes       Cholerectic – good for bile production

Asparagus        Diuretic

Aubergine        Protects fatty membrane cells, good for nerves and brain

Beet                 Decreases blood pressure; anti-cancer

Broccoli           Prevents cancer

Cabbage           Protects heart

Carrots             Protects eyes and heart

Celery              Powerful painkiller; mild diuretic

Fennel              Anti-inflammatory

Kale                 Reduces risk of cancer

Leeks               Lowers cholesterol; fights cancer

Onions             Antihistamine; anti-inflammatory; aids digestion

Peppers            Protects against cancer

Potatoes           Lowers blood pressure

Spinach            Fights cancer – particularly stomach, prostate and ovaries

Sweet potatoes Anti-inflammatory; aids digestion.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Wisdom, Beauty or Pride?

Son of man, sing this funeral song for the king of Tyre. Give him this message from the Sovereign LORD: You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and exquisite in beauty. ... Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor. So I threw you to the ground and exposed you to the curious gaze of kings. Ezekiel 28:12, 17

Whoa—wisdom isn’t everything! Pride is not a good thing. It resulted in a funeral song for the king of Tyre—death indeed. Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Proverbs 16:18.  That was probably eternal death for that king. That same deadly verdict could come to anyone…king or peasant—Wall Street tycoon or farmer—Business owner or coffee hut barista. Pride puts ourselves first—not others…not God.

Beautiful people can be like the king of Tyre—exquisite and a model of perfection in their own eyes or even in others eyes—but not in God’s eyes. I’ve never been a real beautiful, nor have I ever lavishly decorated my home, so I don’t have to worry about too much pride in those areas of my life. I will admit that writing this blog and having it read in so many countries around the world (76 now) has been almost a prideful thing for me. But I realize that the real writing of this blog comes from the Holy Spirit—total inspiration from Him. I can’t take any credit for it—it just flows through my fingertips. That amazes me! How do you see the Holy Spirit working in your life? Are you prideful in any area? Your wisdom, your looks, your home, the success of your career or business? Turn it all over to the Lord—He is the one who deserves the credit—if you put Him first in your life. Priorities.

Prayer ~ Lord, help me once again to see if there are any pride filled areas in my life and to evaluate my priorities. I give You first place—on the throne of my heart. You are worthy of my praise and of kingship within my life—my goals—my very being. Thank you for who You are and where You are. My heart—Your home.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Wisdom with Mercy and Love

O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! You show unfailing love to thousands, but you also bring the consequences of one generation's sin upon the next. You are the great and powerful God, the LORD of Heaven's Armies. You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve. Jeremiah 32:17-19

                                                                                                                            

This was Jeremiah’s prayer to the Lord when Jerusalem was under siege from the Babylon army and Jeremiah was imprisoned in the royal palace courtyard. He recognized that God has all wisdom. He is the source and sustainer of wisdom.

Power, wisdom, love. Three qualities of God that I see as intertwined and interdependent. Love without power and wisdom is just a limp handshake. Power without love and wisdom is oppressive and unjust. Wisdom without love and power is just worldly wise words flapping in the breeze. The three qualities together give God the ability to miraculously heal physically and spiritually with mercy and grace. Those who don’t respond to God’s invitation to His love and mercy suffer the resulting penalties…and miss out on the best part of God’s love—eternal life with Him. It is the best because it starts right away when someone claims Jesus as their Savior—believing in Him as God’s Son—and ends…never. Eternal life is just that—the never ending enveloping love of God. It is a wonderful feeling to know that I’ve been adopted into God’s family—forever. He will never leave me or forsake me…as He promised in Hebrews 13:5.  Have you been adopted into God’s family?

Prayer ~ Merciful Father, Holy God—I exalt You—for with Your wisdom, power and love You are above all things—emotions, worldly possessions and lofty goals. You are worthy of all praise.

Happy Birthday Blessing, Kathy K. 

May God continue to bless you as you seek and serve Him!

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Created and Maintained with His Wisdom

The LORD made the earth by His power, and He preserves it by His wisdom. With His own understanding He stretched out the heavens. Jeremiah 51:15

As I started to write this my husband was watching a documentary about the COSMOS—God’s creation. It is so vast and yet so minuscule. So ingenious, creative, and meticulously created. Amazingly awesome. God is so powerful…and yet humbly gentle. This verse is followed by the verses below.

Jellyfish
God's creation held together with wisdom

When He speaks in the thunder, the heavens are filled with water. He causes the clouds to rise over the earth. He sends the lightning with the rain and releases the wind from His storehouses. The whole human race is foolish and has no knowledge! The craftsmen are disgraced by the idols they make, for their carefully shaped works are a fraud. These idols have no breath or power. Idols are worthless; they are ridiculous lies! On the day of reckoning they will all be destroyed. But the God of Israel is no idol! He is the Creator of everything that exists, including His people, His own special possession. The LORD of Heaven's Armies is His name! Jeremiah 51:16-19.

Our God—the God of Israel and of the chosen ones who believe He is Jesus—is for real. He is not an idol. He is all wisdom, powerful, merciful, just, creator, redeemer, and loving. God is love… But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8.  No need to worship a powerless idol. No need to spend our time and money on transient fixations. Our passions need to be focused on the giver of life…the giver of eternal life. God is the lover of life and the He makes life worth living—from the beginning to the end. Where do you stand with this God—the true God?

Prayer ~ All powerful and loving God…I praise You for who You are—the wise creator who keeps things going and growing with never ending love. Pure, undefiled, unrequited love. For You are Love.

Blessings and Birthday Happiness to Kathy L.

May God continue to give you His healing touch, as well as His rest and peace. 

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Lord of Diversity

O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24

Have you looked around you and actually counted the number of different animals, especially the variety of birds, insects and spiders that we have in our region. I went for a short hike with friends over the weekend and in just an hour I saw at least six different types of birds—include some beautiful pelicans. And although we don’t have forests of trees in this part of Washington State, we have a huge variety of plants—some of which we just consider weeds. On nearby Badger Mountain where I frequently climb we can see numerous blooming plants all spring. When one group dies off, another type comes into bloom. It is so marvelous.

Badger Mt. Balsam 

When we plan a garden, that is just what we do—have different flowers bloom sequentially so that there are always flowers in blossoming. At least that is the ideal way to design a posy garden. Go beyond our area to the great oceans and we find them brimming with all sorts of wild creatures. God is so creative! Lots of diversity.

Diversity has become key word that often is used as a politically correct expression. God has a corner on diversity—the greatest variety of life goes beyond what we can imagine—even with the weird Star Wars creatures. I think I’ll just go out and enjoy God’s creation and see how many different birds and creatures I can see right in my own backyard this evening. Blessing on each of you as you relax and just reflect on God’s wisdom in His creation.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, Thank You for the great variety of plants and animals that You created. It is like a rainbow has come alive with the many colors of plants and I find joy in the beauty of the butterflies flitting from flower to flower. The magnificent foods that You designed and that grow throughout our summer are so delightful to our eyes, and to our taste buds. The berries and melons are just scrumptious. I so appreciate and marvel at Your creativity. The diversity of life is beyond words. If this is what we have here…what will heaven be like?

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Is the Bible Mysterious to You?

As I (Paul) briefly wrote earlier, God Himself revealed His mysterious plan to me. Ephesians 3:3 

God has written about “mysteries” in several places in the Bible. This mystery that Paul wrote about here in Ephesians is not some spooky, hidden or ambiguous legend. The mystery is just something that wasn’t understood during the Old Testament time and that was revealed or explained in the New Testament. Below are a few verses that illustrate that. We can’t totally comprehend God, but He does give us some wise guidance.

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother's womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5

I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. Romans 11:25

No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—His plan that was previously hidden, even though He made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 1 Corinthians 2:7 

This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. Ephesians 5:32

They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. ... Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. 1 Timothy 3:9, 16

Jesus is one of the mysteries that we are privileged to have explained. He came down from Heaven—lived as a human, since He was human, and then after His death and resurrection, He went back to Heaven. Another mystery is that Gentiles—the non-Jews of the world—are fellow heirs with the Jews, fellow partakers of the promise of Jesus Christ.

And this is God's plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God's children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6.

What a plan! In His grace and wisdom God gave a mystery…and then showed us the answer. We are to be His children—Jews and Gentiles.

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, it is such an honor to be part of Your family—to be part of the family of God. Mystery revealed. You are such an example for all of us. Loving and accepting everyone. Even my little 4-year old grandgirl knows that You taught that we are to treat others like we want to be treated. Nice. Thank you for teaching us to love one another. Love—that is the key to life. Love. Love God, love your neighbor as yourself. Such wisdom.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Have You Seen God?

No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is Himself God, is near to the Father's heart. He has revealed God to us. John 1:18

The unique One…the perfect One, the one we call Wise…is Jesus. He IS God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Him (Jesus) to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; He made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin. 1 Corinthians 1:30. In His wisdom, Jesus shows us God. We know that if we search for God… And if you search for God with all your heart and soul, you will find Him. Deuteronomy 4:29.

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1.

Parched Utah Desert - Lizard Looking for Water

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" Psalm 70:4. God is great! Even when we are faced with trials, illnesses that seem like plagues, broken appliances…and broken relationships—God is still good. We don’t always understand—we don’t have full wisdom like Jesus, but we can accept the things we cannot change—and trust God to use these things for His glory and good. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28. Can you trust God with the tough things in your life?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, give us wisdom and courage to change the things we can, and please give us Your peace and contentment so that we can accept the hard stuff in life that we can’t do anything about. You are a great God!

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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A Wise Man’s Interpretation

Daniel replied, "There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king's secret." Daniel 2:27

Only God could reveal the king’s secret and that was through Daniel. Daniel was a wise man…actually still a very young man at this point in his life. He and other Jews had been taken captive by King Nebuchnezzar and forced to walk over 500 miles to Babylon…to live out the rest of their lives. Daniel was blessed with wisdom by God and because of that he could do what the king asked. That was to tell the king not only the interpretation of his dream…but the dream itself. That is amazing. By doing that Daniel came into the kings good graces and saved the wise men of the kingdom from certain death. They couldn’t tell the king the dream and interpret it. It is a terrific dream—that makes for good story telling. Read it for yourself in Daniel 2. The king made Daniel a ruler over the providence of Babylon and the head or governor of the wise men. That’s a pretty good reward for interpreting a dream. God blessed Daniel and thus all of the Jews there. But life is never easy and Daniel faced more trials. He continued to seek God daily. Daniel was a good example for us…we should live like him—eating healthy foods and seeking God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. How would you rate yourself as a Daniel type person on a scale of one to five?  I’m about a three…eating mostly healthy foods and usually seeking God daily—but maybe not three times a day like Daniel did. I do ask for His blessing on my food…at every meal no matter where I am. It’s a family ritual…and we not only give thanks for the food, but for who God is to us as well. That is what Daniel did and eventually, Nebuchadnezzar did, too.

Prayer ~ Oh King of Heaven, I praise, extol and honor You, just as David and Nebuchadnezzar did. Your ways are just, faithful and right. If I have pride in my life, show me how to be humble. From Daniel 4:37.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

My food mantra for several years has been…If you don’t buy it, you won’t eat it. When I go to the store I avoid buying candy (except occasionally an intense orange, dark chocolate bar with nuts), cookies, chips, snacky crackers like Cheetos, cakes and white bread or rolls. If I don’t buy them, I won’t eat them. Of course, that means that I can’t put them on my husband’s shopping list either! He does a lot of our grocery shopping. He knows I do like dark chocolate—but I don’t like the non-nutritional calories associated with any candy, even chocolate. There is a heart healthy benefit touted with dark chocolate, and so like many friends and my favorite aunt, I do occasionally have some dark chocolate, but I try not to make it a daily occurrence.

Pumpkin Seeds - Roasted and Seasoned

Conversely…you will eat what you buy…or grow. So when hunger or the munchies attack I like to have some healthy snacks available. Here’s a short list of good snacks to keep handy. Some of these, like the almonds and dates are sure to have been available there in Babylon and on Daniel’s healthy diet.

Almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, organic macadamia nuts, dates, and raisins. You can eat these individually or mix them in equal amounts, or any ratio you desire. Then store them in a glass jar with a lid right on your counter or in a small plastic bag in your car or purse so you can grab a handful whenever you desire. Do beware that nuts are not low calorie and you will still need to refrain from eating pounds of them at a time, or you’ll be gaining pounds.  

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Foolish or Wise?

Only fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good! The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; He looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! Psalm 14:1-3

God is amazing. As I understand it He can see all of time at once. He sees and hears everyone…always. Everyone…that is a lot of people...through all of history. Imagine the chatter He must listen to as so many people are praying…and of course thinking, all at the same time. He can easily determine if a person is foolish or wise. Our mouths…our words…give us away. Though we sometime are thinking and speaking good things—maybe even holy…like Jesus, there are other times when our hearts and attitudes aren’t in the right place. When my attitude isn’t good, it is just best if I stay away from others until I can get an attitude adjustment. Usually some time spent in God’s word is all it takes to change my perspective and get me back on track. When David wrote this Psalm he was pretty pessimistic about the human race— all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! Have we changed? God gives us each a choice…to seek God and live a righteous life…or to reject God and be a fool. How do you choose to see God and be seen by Him?

Prayer ~ Lord God, Our hearts and attitude need to come to you… The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17. So it is with a humble heart that I come before You now, Lord, seeking to please You with my every thought, word and breath.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Wisdom from the Womb

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Psalm 51:1-6 [A psalm of David, regarding the time Nathan the prophet came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.]

Sometimes we just get overburdened by sin. We’re human. We can’t escape it, but we don’t have to be sad and wallow in it. I woke up today with a sadness hanging over me. What was it…my disappointment at where I am in life…the unmet expectations that just can’t be? Did I want things to be different and I can’t change them? I was reminded—by the Holy Spirit—of the well-known Serenity Prayer that my Mom had once painted for me…Her wisdom from God to me. Was it even from the womb?

God grant me the serenity 
to accept the things I cannot change; 
courage to change the things I can; 
and wisdom to know the difference. 
(The prayer continues…)

Living one day at a time; 
Enjoying one moment at a time; 
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; 
Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; 
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; 
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him 
Forever in the next. 
Amen.                                            Originally written by Reinhold Niebuhr

There it is…the happiness and wisdom for which I was searching.

What are you looking for today? Wisdom, happiness, joy or just contentment?

Prayer ~ Lord, You have told us… Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21. You also promised to give us the desire of our heart…In times of trouble, LORD may You answer my cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep me safe from all harm. May You send me help from Your sanctuary and strengthen me. May You remember all my gifts. May You grant my heart's desires and make all my plans succeed. May I shout for joy when I hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all my prayers. Psalm 20:1-5. Grant me the wisdom to know the difference between the things in my life that I can change…or not…and to accept it. To know You…and accept the things You have planned for my life.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Life is Short – Grow in Wisdom

Who can comprehend the power of your (God’s) anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. O LORD, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Psalm 90:11-14

Life is short. Where have the past ten years gone…or the past twenty years, for that matter!?! I feel the need to live each day intentionally, boldly and joyfully. Life is too short not to enjoy every minute we can—and to use every opportunity available for the Lord. This particular Psalm (90) was written by Moses. He was expressing that life is short—and along with its shortness, he acknowledged the Lord’s anger. That anger creates fear…or respect…that God deserves. Do you give Him that respect? When you ask Him today to give you the wisdom that you need for this day…ask Him to show you ways that you can show your love, respect and honor for Him. That thought just occurred to me as I wrote this…and I intend to do that in my prayer time today. May God bless you as you seek Him…to know Him more deeply. May He “return” to you…just as Moses requested.

I will never leave you or forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5

Actually, God has never left us…just as He promises in Hebrews 13:5…but we may have turned away from Him. Return to the Lord and be filled and satisfied each morning with His amazing love. I sing for joy…and will all of my days here on earth.    

Prayer ~ Lord God, please reveal more of Yourself to me…and give me wisdom to understand You and Your will more deeply. I sing forever with joy for the joy of knowing You. You are an awesome God. You are my God…my Creator, my Redeemer, my Provider, my Joy and my Salvation.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Fellowship with the Truth

Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if we don't feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. And we will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him. And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. Those who obey God's commandments remain in fellowship with Him, and He with them. And we know He lives in us because the Spirit He gave us lives in us. 1 John 3:19-24

The United States was founded on trusting in God—it is even printed on our money…In God We Trust. This is a day that we celebrate our freedom. Parades, picnic and fireworks. But will people be celebrating the love and trust of the Lord? Those who seek the Lord will find Him.

From one man He created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and He determined their boundaries. His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him—though He is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:26-27.

He is not far from any of us. We only need to look around us to see God’s majesty—in His creation. Beautiful sunsets, flowers blooming, and a precious baby smiling—all are God’s creation. Seek and we will find. Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and the Life. He is the Son of God. And once we acknowledge that Jesus is the Son of God and have found Him as our Lord—we can continue to seek His blessing. I do…every day. May God bless America!

The one thing I ask of the LORD—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple. Psalm 27:4.

Prayer ~ Lord, I seek You every day…and my prayer is for You to bless this nation. Give our governing people wisdom. As is written in Your Word…

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14.

I humble myself before You, Lord. It is my heart’s desire that You would hear the prayers of the people in this nation, forgive our sins and restore the United States to a safe and sovereign nation.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

How Compassionate are You?

This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous. So don't be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don't have eternal life within them. We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:11-18 NLT

Mosaic near the Sea of Galilee
Jesus was compassionate when He fed 5,000 people. Matt. 14:14-21 

Compassion is like wisdom. To be caring and loving is a blessing from the Lord. A gift, so to speak…although not what Christians would classify as a “gift” of God or “Gift” of the Holy Spirit. Loving God and loving others is what living is all about—it is what is important…to me anyway. Jesus said it…actually commanded it…So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13:34-35. He pointed out to a young follower who asked…"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' Matthew 22:36-39 NASB. Pretty simple…although not always easy to do. I’ve found that I have to humble myself to put God first. I want to do things MY WAY…and that might not be God’s way or His will. And then He wants me to love my neighbor as myself?! That means I have to love myself and I don’t always feel like that. It is just too easy to be hard on myself…I don’t always meet my own expectations and life isn’t what I wanted or thought it would be…but I need to accept myself for who God made me. I am OK—so I can be accepting and caring—even loving or compassionate towards others…for everyone is my neighbor. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20 NASB. Love others…show compassion and care about them. God created them, too. Love God…love others. How compassionate are you? Has God given you the wisdom to be compassionate?

Prayer ~ Jesus, open my eyes and heart to see ways that I can show compassion and love to others around me.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Will You Boast of Your Wisdom?

Then this message came to me from the LORD: "Son of man, give the prince of Tyre this message from the Sovereign LORD: "In your great pride you claim, 'I am a god! I sit on a divine throne in the heart of the sea.' But you are only a man and not a god, though you boast that you are a god. You regard yourself as wiser than Daniel and think no secret is hidden from you. With your wisdom and understanding you have amassed great wealth—gold and silver for your treasuries. Yes, your wisdom has made you very rich, and your riches have made you very proud." Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because you think you are as wise as a god, I will now bring against you a foreign army, the terror of the nations. They will draw their swords against your marvelous wisdom and defile your splendor! Ezekiel 28:1-7 

Draw Your Sword (Hieroglyphs in Utah) 

The prince of Tyre was pretty puffed up…proud of himself. Who could think of themselves as wise as Daniel? Solomon who is considered the wisest man to have lived—other than Jesus—became king in 970 BC. Daniel was taken captive in 605 BC and went to Babylon where God bless him with wisdom. There was more than 300 years between their lives Solomon and Daniel. Ezekiel, who wrote this book that was named after him, became a prophet in 593 BC, so he could be considered a contemporary of Daniel’s. People recognized Daniel’s wisdom because he had such influence with the king Nebuchadnezzar. But Daniel never got puffed up and proud about this gift of wisdom that God had given him. The prince of Tyre obviously didn’t get his wisdom from God…and he was rather proud of himself. So God changed things in his life by bring a foreign army to fight against his marvelous wisdom. What a lesson for us. Don’t get proud about the wisdom that you gain in the world or the wisdom that God gives you. Humble yourself. That is what an angel who came to Daniel said that Daniel had done.  And the man said to me, "Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you." When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Then he said, "Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer." Daniel 10:11-12. God hears our requests…our prayers…for wisdom, understanding…for whatever. Will you choose to be like Daniel or like the prince of Tyre?  

Prayer ~ Lord, like Daniel, I humble myself before You, desiring to be precious to You. Please give me understanding and wisdom that I would serve You wisely, speak and write in such a way that others would want to know more about You…and about living their lives to honor You.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Protection from the Dreamer

Then Daniel went in to see Arioch (captain of the king's bodyguard), whom the king had ordered to execute the wise men of Babylon. Daniel said to him, "Don't kill the wise men. Take me to the king, and I will tell him the meaning of his dream." Daniel 2:24

Nebuchadnezzar was a gutsy guy, demanding that his wise men tell him about his dream and then interpret it, too. If they couldn’t do it…off with their heads! Daniel was blessed with wisdom from the Lord God. His ability to interpret dreams with his discernment and discretion saved King Nebuchadnezzar’s wise men from their imminent death. Daniel’s wisdom and discernment earned him recognition and respect from Nebuchadnezzar. His ability to explain the dream was such a great witness—but it got him into trouble with those wise men. They were jealous of his God given abilities and devotion to his God. How many people do you know who can tell you about a dream you’ve had, interpret it, and worship the God who gave that talent?  In Daniel’s time and situation—as a Jewish prisoner in Babylon—he was in an awkward position. Honored by the king that had captured him and despised by the king’s men. Not the best of circumstances. Keep reading the story…when he is thrown into fiery furnace it becomes a testimony. Our lives should be a testimony to our God. Hopefully we don’t have to be thrown into a furnace or a lion’s den for others to see God’s love for us…and our love for Him.  

Prayer ~ Lord God, open my eyes and heart for me to be a better witness for you in my life and in my responses to other people.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Eat a rainbow. Not literally…a rainbow, but eat foods that have the rich colors of the rainbow. Red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. You may hear that advice often…and it is wise advice. Daniel and his friends likely ate foods that were all of these colors. The darker the color, the better the food is for you. Can you name other foods in these color groups?

          

            Red—tomatoes, red peppers, kidney beans, red cabbage

            Orange—oranges, orange peppers, carrots

            Yellow—yellow squash, yellow peppers, lemons

            Green—varieties of lettuce and cabbage, kale, green peppers, zucchini, snap peas, green beans

            Blue—blueberries, blackberries

            Purple—grapes, eggplant

Eat Daniel type healthy foods, as fresh and as unprocessed as possible. Add in some fresh herbs for even more nutritional value.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Half of His Wisdom

When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon's fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. She arrived with a large group of attendants and a great caravan of camels loaded with spices, large quantities of gold, and precious jewels. When she met with Solomon, she talked with him about everything she had on her mind. Solomon had answers for all her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her. When the queen of Sheba realized how wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built, she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at the food on his tables, the organization of his officials and their splendid clothing, the cup-bearers and their robes, and the burnt offerings Solomon made at the Temple of the LORD. She exclaimed to the king, "Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true! I didn't believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of your great wisdom! It is far beyond what I was told. How happy your people must be! What a privilege for your officials to stand here day after day, listening to your wisdom! Praise the LORD your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne as king to rule for Him. Because God loves Israel and desires this kingdom to last forever, He has made you king over them so you can rule with justice and righteousness." 2 Chronicles 9:1-8

As the Queen of Sheba, from the southern part of Arabia, testified to Solomon, she had not heard even half of Solomon’s great wisdom. Queen Sheba made a trip on camels of about 1,200 miles to ascertain if Solomon’s wisdom and riches were for real. When she saw and heard with her own eyes and ears, she believed. She was amazed at him and at how blessed he was. As a result of that she was even praising the Lord. How did she know the Lord God? She had heard of Him since Solomon had built the Temple for God and that Solomon and all his kingdom were blessed because of God’s generosity. That was only half of Solomon’s wisdom—and now we are at the “half-way” point in the calendar for this year of 2016. Do you think that you would have believed in Solomon’s wealth and wisdom without seeing it for yourself? Like the Queen, we need guidance and discernment—wisdom in action—to determine the depth of our wisdom—and how to apply it to our spiritual lives. With God’s guidance and discernment we’ll live to use all the wisdom that God gives us…not just half of it.

Prayer ~ Dear God, Once again we ask for Spiritual Discernment—like the Queen of Sheba must have had as she tested Solomon and found him to be worthy of Your attention. Please give us guidance as we apply Your wisdom in our lives.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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