Invitation to Attend the Banquet

Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, "What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!"

Jesus replied with this story: "A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, 'Come, the banquet is ready.' But they all began making excuses. One said, 'I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.' Another said, 'I now have a wife, so I can't come.' "The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, 'Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.' After the servant had done this, he reported, 'There is still room for more.' So his master said, 'Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.'" Luke 14:15-24 

When the time comes...

Will you accept the Invitation to the King's Banquet?

When was the last time you got an invitation to a big dinner—a banquet? We go to church potlucks occasionally and those are big dinners—but not really one that we get an “invitation” to attend. A couple of years ago we got invited to my cousin’s grandson’s wedding. The reception was outside at the bride’s grandparents’ home. It was similar to a wedding banquet like we’ll be attending in heaven one day! Food! Lots of food! There were cheese nibbles, veggie kabobs, along with spiced and candied nuts and other assorted appetizers. The BBQ Buffet was amazing with meats and tasty summery salads. Refreshing lemonade and ice-cold water plus other beverages and wine to toast the Bride and Groom. Live music and a dance floor that the bride’s grandfather constructed just for the occasion. And of course, wedding cake. A lovely day. I was glad we went—that we didn’t turn away the invitation by finding something else to do and making an excuse not to attend—although we didn’t really know the bride or groom. My cousin was pleased to have us join them for their celebration and we did have a good time. In contrast—only those who know the groom, Jesus, will be attending the Wedding Feast in Heaven one day. Will you be among the bridal party? I’m counting on being there. What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God. 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I’m looking forward to putting on a white wedding robe and coming to Your Wedding Feast! The food won’t be as important as the people who will be there—especially You! May our Heavenly Father bless You as You prepare a place for us—building the mansions and getting ready for a great Homecoming!

Daily Bible Reading: Nahum

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Spiced Pecans

2 teaspoon kosher or ground Himalayan salt

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon curry powder 

1 teaspoon, heaping, ground cinnamon

Grated orange rind from one orange

2 pound pecan halves

1 stick unsalted butter (8 tablespoons), cut up into small chunks

½ cup packed brown sugar

1½  tablespoons orange juice (fresh squeezed from the orange used in the grated rind)

Line a sheet pan, or a couple of cookie sheets, with parchment paper and set aside.

Mix the salt, cumin, curry, cayenne, cinnamon and orange peel together in a small bowl and set aside.

Place the nuts in a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet and set over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until they just start to brown and smell toasted. Do NOT let them burn. Add the butter and stir until it melts. Add the spice mixture and stir to combine. Stir sugar into orange juice. Add to the nut mixture, stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the nuts, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer the nuts to the prepared sheet pan and separate them with a fork or spatula. Allow the nuts to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storage. Can be stored up to 3 weeks--if they aren't eaten first!

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Do the Same - Show Mercy

And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?"

And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."

And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE." 

But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 

Jesus replied and said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.' Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?" 

And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." 

Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same."  Luke 10:25-37 NASB 

Go and do the same. Treat those near us and those we pass by with mercy…love and compassion. I’ve always been impressed with the degree to which this Samaritan gentleman provided care. He didn’t just pick the beaten man up off the ground, dust him off and send him on his way. No, the Samaritan used his own wine, oil and bandages that he likely had to tear from his own clothes, to clean and bandaged the wounds. A little sacrifice took place there. Then good old Sam trudged alongside of his own donkey, carrying this Jewish fellow, to the next inn where he guaranteed the wounded man’s care. Paying for a complete stranger who was not of his religious sect was very generous commitment. He was magnificently merciful. Could we do the same today? 

It can be dangerous to stop on the road or busy highway to help someone. The shoulders of the road hardly fit a car and as other motorists go zipping by at 60 or 70 miles per hour you can literally be taking your life in your hands just to pull off the road, let along consider how it will be to get back into traffic. A day or so ago, I saw a young lady walking with traffic along a busy highway…but she was three lanes over—on the fast side of the roadway. There was no way I could get over to even see if she needed help—so I just prayed for her. “Take care of her, Lord.” I trust that He did just that.

Love God…Love Your Neighbor. That is the sum value of the Ten Commandments. Jesus promised …do this and you will live. I guess that the “loving God” part involves the believing in Jesus that gives us eternal life. How are you doing with that…loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself?

If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF," you are doing well. James 2:8 NASB

Prayer ~ Lord God, I love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength…and I am certainly trying to love my neighbor as myself. Please help me to love myself more…and to help my neighbor, too. 

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 32-33

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

No Scorpion for You

Then, teaching them more about prayer, He used this story: "Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You say to him, 'A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit, and I have nothing for him to eat.' And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, 'Don't bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can't help you.' But I tell you this—though he won't do it for friendship's sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence. And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him." Luke 11:5-13 

Ask – Seek – Knock. Similar scripture in Matthew 7:7-11 records the same message.

The Key is to Read ALL the Scripture.

Ask - Seek - Knock

Pray Persistently

When we were in Israel I made the comment to our tour guide, Amir, that God repeated His message in the Bible because not everyone reads the entire Bible. He laughed and corrected me…the messages are repeated because it is important to God that we get His message and we do need to read the whole Bible. I stand corrected.

This particular passage is written to different people in Matthew and Luke. Both written in about 60 AD Matthew was addressed to Jews in their culture while Luke was written to the Gentiles. I am continually reminded that as we study God’s Word we need to keep in mind to whom the scripture was written, the historical significance of the time and the culture of the people. For us the message is still the same when we pray…ask, seek, knock. Be persistent. Paul wrote about persistence to the church at Ephesus.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 

Jesus tells us to ask, seek and knock. A Gentile woman—a Canaanite—came to Him…asking for His healing touch—persistently pleading with Him so much that it annoyed His disciples. She was merely asking for help, seeking Jesus healing touch and continuing to knock on the door to His heart until He answered.

Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed." But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, "Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us." But He answered and said, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" And He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." But she said, "Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus said to her, "O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed at once. Matthew 15:21-28 NASB

Are you seeking Jesus with all your heart, asking Him for His presence and help in your life, continually knocking at His door…as He is knocking at the door to your heart? And He won’t give you a scorpion if you ask for an egg.

Prayer ~ Lord, I will keep on asking… praying for me, my family and friends, asking You, God, to enable us all to live a life worthy of Your call. May You give us the power to accomplish all the good things that our faith prompts us to do. 2 Thessalonians 1:11.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings20-21

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Faithful and Unfaithful Servants

A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant is evil and thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Matthew 24:45-51 and Luke 12:42-46

Are You Feeding God's Servants?

Assign him a place with the hypocrites or banish him with the unfaithful. That is what the unfaithful servant can look forward to.

The faithful servant—is probably treated more like a son than a servant and is rewarded for being responsible, obedient, and feeding the other servants. What is his reward? More responsibility and honor from his master…maybe financial gain. At any rate it is good and the servant should be pleased with himself for his integrity. His respect for his master shows in his respect for himself, for the other servants, and for degree to which he carries out the responsibilities assigned to him. He’s a good guy—one whom we would all like to know or be like. In this parable Jesus is promising rewards to those who respectfully follow Him—as He is our Master. He also is promising to punish those servants—followers—who are unfaithful and disrespectful.

Which are you more like as a follower and servant of the Lord…the faithful or unfaithful?

Prayer ~ Lord…May You show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever (Psalm 16:11) that I may be a faithful servant to You.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 64-66  

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Evil Spirit

When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none. Then it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds its former home empty, swept, and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. That will be the experience of this evil generation.  Matthew 12:43-45

When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, 'I will return to the person I came from.' So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before.  Luke 11:24-26

An evil spirit. That is real—though we may not actually “see” it. Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus…addressing all Christians through all time and that include us today.

Helmet of Salvation and the Word of God.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:12-18. 

Evil spirits may not be tormenting people—like the demon possessed men that Jesus healed in Luke 4:31-37 and Luke 8:26-39, but sinful, rebellious attitudes and evil desires today could be attributed to satanic influence in a person’s life. Today would have been my sister’s birthday—but twenty-seven years ago she was killed in what I call a domestic violence attack on her life when she was shot by her ex-husband, Ron. Her two daughters and new husband were also killed. Her ex-husband at one time had declared himself to be atheist—not believing in God. Jesus has said that whoever is not for Him is against Him (Luke 11:23), so Ron was against Christ—thus for Satan. That evil influence in his life ultimately robbed my family of my sister and her family. Was there more than one demon in Ron? Who knows? It only took one weak man with a big gun and a few minutes to kill four people and then himself. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. BANG! It was over. Was the evil spirit gone then? What happens when there is no body for it to inhabit? In one of Jesus encounters the demons asked to go into a herd of swine and then the swine went over a cliff into the Sea of Galilee (Luke 8:26-39.)

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Put on your armor every day. Stay protected. You wouldn’t go out in the hot sun without a hat or sunscreen, so don’t go into your day without protection of God’s Word. 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus Christ, You are my rock, my fortress, and my savior. You are my God and my rock, in whom I find protection. You are my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. You are my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me from violence. I call on You LORD, because You are worthy of praise, and You save me from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:2-4.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 59-63

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Divided Kingdom

Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. All the crowds were amazed, and were saying, "This man cannot be the Son of David, can he?" But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons." And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. "If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? "If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. "Or how can anyone enter the strong man's house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Matthew 12:22-30 NASB

The scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "He casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons." And He called them to Himself and began speaking to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but he is finished! But no one can enter the strong man's house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house." Mark 3:22-27 NASB

And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons." Others, to test Him, were demanding of Him a sign from heaven. But He knew their thoughts and said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and a house divided against itself falls. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? So they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder. He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters." Luke 11:14-23 NASB

Storm Clouds in the Heavenly Kingdom?

Three accounts of Jesus’ parable about the Divided Kingdom. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. War within the household is sure to cause the walls of the home to crumble. There are countless examples of this in the Old Testament with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah—the Northern and Southern nations that made up the Promised Land. When a king fell from power or died then all of his family and followers were often killed. Brutal. Look around you. Do you see that families that have conflicts that they can’t resolve often deteriorate to the point of divorce? The walls of that family unit crumble…and with neglect or abuse the relationships between the parents and between children and parents suffer. A family divided cannot stand. Life is tough. Do they need tough love…or just old fashioned respect? There is not just one answer…every person and family unit is different—but love and respect are still the key elements in healthy relationships. Love one another—put others first. Those are Jesus’ teachings—not my ideas.  

I’ve often thought about Jesus’ statement… He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters. That is a moment by moment choice…to stand with Jesus. That is important since Jesus also taught…

Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

I don’t want to stand before the Heavenly Father someday and have Jesus say…I don’t know her! Everyone has a choice to make…moment by moment…to follow Jesus—to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Are you with Jesus or against Him?

Prayer ~ Jesus—I want to gather my family and friends together with You that we may serve You and honor You and our Heavenly Father in all that we do. Please help us all to choose to follow You—that we would not be scattered about abandoned, forlorn, and neglected.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 54-58

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Abba’s Revenge

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the LORD. Romans 12:19 NLT

Revenge—to punish someone for something they did to you. Revenge may seem like a sweet way to end an argument or avenge a wrong…but is it? Will it just result in…bitterness—separating us from God? In regret? In more retaliation or more revenge on us for our actions? According to God’s word, let Him handle the injustice. He promised…"I will take revenge; I will pay them back." Abba Father can handle it. Revenge is not sweet. It will leave a bitter taste in your mouth and soul. Forgiveness gives a sweet taste—a release to one’s very soul and body. 

T

Seek the purity of forgiveness rather than revenge.

here is an interesting passage in Revelation that gives us an example of God’s revenge for martyrs.

When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also. Revelation 6:9-11

Rest a while. No revenge. 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give us grace to choose not to seek revenge, but to choose to forgive and allow God to punish those who have offended us.

[Recycled from July 19, 2015.] 

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 49-53

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Feast Invitations

Then He (Jesus) turned to His host. "When you put on a luncheon or a banquet," He said, "don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you." Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, "What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!" Luke 14:12-15

What a blessing it will be to attend a Banquet in the Kingdom of God! Do you plan your menu considering who you are inviting? Would it make any difference to your menu if you were inviting the mayor, your next door neighbor or a homeless person? Healthy eating is good for everyone—whether they are in good health or not. Somehow eating good food also boosts a person’s attitude so that they are spiritually more attuned, too. God was so wise in guiding the Israelites as they went through the desert on the way to the Promised Land. They may have complained about not having enough food—but the manna He provided must have been nutritionally complete and met the needs of their bodies. We don’t have manna today—but we have such an immense variety of foods in this summer season—and all through the year at our local grocery stores. We are blessed. 

Prayer – Thank You God—for manna—and for all the variety of foods You provide for us. Help us to serve others and invite them to enjoy Your bounty.

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings19; Psalms 48, 80, 135

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The Four New Food Group includes: Vegetables, Fruits, Legumes, and Whole Grains. These were introduced by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in 1991. Here’s the number of servings we should have per day to provide our bodies with antioxidants to ward off infections and cancer, as well as adequate protein and nutrients to provide for healthy growth.

Fruits - 3 or more servings of ½ to 1 cup

Vegetables – 4 or more servings of 1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked

Legumes (beans, peas and lentils) – 3 or more ½ cup cooked beans, ¼ cup bean spread, 3 oz tofu

Whole Grains – 6 or more ½ cooked, ¾-1 cup dry cereal, 1 slice of bread, ½ tortilla (bagel = 4 servings)

The idea behind these new food groups is that meat and fat affect the hormones in our bodies and cause cancer and inflammatory diseases. Can you live without meat? I’m not sure that I am totally ready to give up meat. Maybe I’ll occasionally add fish to my menus for a while. The Omega-3s in fish are essential.  

The fiber in all the fruits and vegetables, as well as the legumes, is also highly beneficial for removing toxins from our bodies. The basic new four food group diet without meat is lacking in Vitamin B12 so it is suggested that anyone following this eating regime include a good multivitamin that contains Vitamin B12.  Information from The Cancer Survivor’s Guide by Barnard and Reilly.

Considering these food groups a menu for a “banquet” could include a quinoa sweet potato salad with black beans and chickpeas topped with a mango salsa. Serve that up in large romaine lettuce leaves. For dessert, how about some freshly sliced watermelon since it is in season now. My mouth is watering just thinking about that watermelon. A nice watermelon drink. So cool and refreshing since it is nearly 100 degrees today!

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Dishonest Manager

Jesus told this story to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer's money. So the employer called him in and said, 'What's this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.' "The manager thought to himself, 'Now what? My boss has fired me. I don't have the strength to dig ditches, and I'm too proud to beg. Ah, I know how to ensure that I'll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.' So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, 'How much do you owe him?' The man replied, 'I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.' So the manager told him, 'Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.' 'And how much do you owe my employer?' he asked the next man. 'I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,' was the reply. 'Here,' the manager said, 'take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.' "The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light.

Here's the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at him. Then He said to them, "You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God."  Luke 16:1-15 

Running out of time or money?

Seek God First.

The promise… You cannot serve both God and money. That is the bottom line—God needs to be first in your life...in my life. This dishonest manager was shrewd. Should he be an example for us? I don’t think so. The rich man may have admired the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd—but I for one don’t want to be like him. We are to be honest, pure, loving and faithful. That dishonest manager did not have those qualities. He certainly wasn’t honoring God…or his employer with his attitude or actions. He loved money—even money that didn’t belong to him and it got him fired. So he covered his back by cheating his boss out of even more that was due to him. What a guy! He made himself even more detestable in God’s sight, but that didn’t seem to matter. His lesson is to use the resources at hand to make friends. Is that showing love to God—to use money to win friends and influence others? Using other’s money like that manager did was a dishonest activity. It is just not right—not ethical—and God knows a person’s heart. There it is. Put God first—and the right things in life will fall in line. 

"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-34 NASB  

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, I want to always put You first. Guard my heart that I would seek to live an ethical life that is pleasing and honoring to You. 

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 44-48

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Like Children

"To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't mourn.' Matthew 11:16-19

"To what can I compare the people of this generation?" Jesus asked. "How can I describe them? They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.' Luke 7:31-32

That generation during Jesus’ life on earth doesn’t seem much different from this current generation. Complaining? Complacent? Distracted? Self-centered? Just focused on being entertained or on the current political situation. We should be fans…but fans who are fanatical about Jesus—about being His disciples and going out to spread His word. Living our best to show how Jesus changes our life.

What is Jesus’ promise in this scripture? People are like children. Not responsible…innocent…but loved.

One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, He was angry with his disciples. He said to them, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." Then He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 .    

 Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, may others see You in us—not as children playing games—but as joy filled followers of You helping others.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 40-43

© 2017 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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

Bread of Life

Jesus told them, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent." They answered, "Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, 'Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now He offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." "Sir," they said, "Give us that bread every day." Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven't believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day." John 6:29-39

Give us this day our daily bread…Matthew  6:11. Jesus is the Bread of Life…spiritual bread that provides eternal life.

Jesus goes on to explain that He is the Bread of Life.

"I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh." John 6:48-51 NASB

During His last supper with His disciples Jesus gave thanks and shared part of that Passover Meal in a way that we now commemorate as the ordinance of Communion.

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood." Luke 22:19-20 NASB

Jesus body…the broken bread…given for us. He was the sacrificial lamb of the Passover. Sacrificed for our sins. His body and blood shed for us provided the opportunity for eternal life. He is the Bread of Life that we would never be spiritually hungry again. His promise that He will never reject them—never reject us—is such a comforting, loving promise. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us. What more can we do than simply believe in Him? Give us this day our daily bread.

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You. You are the Bread of Life for me—and I praise You.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 37-39; Psalm 76

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Barren Fig Tree

Then Jesus told this story: "A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, 'I've waited three years, and there hasn't been a single fig! Cut it down. It's just taking up space in the garden.' "The gardener answered, 'Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.'"  Luke 13:6-9 

My sweet husband gave me a fig tree this summer for my birthday! Already we have been so blessed with a few ripe figs—small, but very tasty! I am thrilled since I love figs! My Grand kiddos have been equally excited about picking and eating them! I can image how disappointed this man was at not having any figs on the tree when he was hungry for figs…and the tree was barren. Three years seems like a long time to wait for figs…or any fruit.  

This parable isn’t really about figs…but the fig tree represents the nation of Israel and the story is about being spiritually fruitful. Jesus spoke right before this about repenting. He wanted the Jews to be obedient. Repent or perish (Luke 13:5). He was giving them another chance. According to the Biblical commentator Matthew Henry, this fig tree is grown in a garden well-tended by the gardener. The church of God is the garden and we are the fig trees planted in that garden. He expects us to produce fruit—giving Him glory and honor. Three years the owner, God, came and found no fruit. That is very sad. No fruit—no honoring God. Are we like that? God wanted the tree cut down, but the gardener, Jesus, wanted to give that fig tree another year—another chance. That’s our Lord Jesus—the giver another chance. Giving us special attention so that we can use our opportunities to honor the Heavenly Father—to produce fruit. Are you producing fruit? The fruit of the Spirit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23

Let the Holy Spirit work in your life…produce His fruit. 

Prayer ~ Lord, may Your Grace be evident in my life and change me—that I would honor You in everything I think, say and do.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 35-36

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Are You Watching and Waiting?

No one knows the hour...or the day of Christ's return.

"However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert! "The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don't know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!" Mark 13:32-37

Watch out! We don’t know the hour or the day when Christ will return. Only the Heavenly Father knows when He will send His Son, Jesus Christ, back for His church. Be prepared. Jesus tells us over and over…be prepared…be alert…keep watch. The Heavenly Father has promised that His Son will return to earth and Jesus confirmed that when He said…I will.

"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3 NASB

This parable tells about a man going on an extended trip who told his servants to work while he was gone and to watch for his return. We are to do the same as we wait for Christ’s return. Work and watch. The Lord doesn’t want us to be lazy. We need to work for Him and being able and willing to work is such a gift no matter what the age. Work, but don’t get so over committed that you fail to keep watch or be prepared for Christ’s return.  

Are you watching and waiting? Are you prepared spiritually and physically? Will Christ’s return even be our lifetime? 

Prayer ~ Lord, open our eyes that we would be prepared for Your return. Help us to witness in such a way that we would draw others to You thus enlarging Your church…on earth as it is in heaven.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 31-34

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Are You Looking for Hidden Truths?

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without a parable. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES; I WILL UTTER THINGS HIDDEN SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD." Matthew 13:34-35 NASB

 Teach me by the Sea of Galilee

Jesus often used scripture from what we call the Old Testament…but that was the Bible of the Jews during His time on earth. This passage is from Psalms was probably well known to the people of Galilee who were known to be Bible scholars. Jesus was sitting by the Sea of Galilee while He was speaking in parables (Matthew 13:1-2).

O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders. For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying his commands. Psalm 78:1-7   

Jesus promised…I will…to speak in parables teaching hidden lessons from stories that all Jews knew. The disciples were even bewildered about the parables and asked Him to explain the stories to them. Hidden truths. Do we see those in our culture today? Are we looking for them? Can we still learn from Jesus’ parables? Of course. As we study the parables we can gain insights not only into life at Jesus time, but truths about our world and life today. Start searching the parables in Matthew, Mark and Luke for yourself. Jesus promised… I will teach you hidden lessons from our past. Are you willing to learn from these old stories? I am—and I am eager to dig into His Word to find new truths to apply to my life.

Here’s a list of Jesus’ parables. [From Jesuscentral.com]
Alert Servants - Mark 13:33-37
Barren fig tree (Repent or Perish) - Luke 13:6-9
Bread of Life - John 6:31-38
Children - Matthew 11:16-19; Luke 7:31-35
Dishonest Manager - Luke 16:1-13
Divided Kingdom - Matthew 12:24-30; Mark 3:22-27 Luke 11:14-23
Evil Spirit - Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 11:24-26
Faithful and Unfaithful Servants - Matthew 24:45-51, Luke 12:35-48
Feast Invitations - Luke 14:12-14
Friend at Midnight - Luke 11:5-13
Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-31
Great Banquet - Luke 14:15-24, Matthew 22:1-10
Great Physician - Matthew 9:10-13; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:29-32
Growing Seed - Mark 4:26-29
Hidden Treasure - Matthew 13:45-46
How to be a Guest - Luke 14:7-11
Jesus and Fasting - Matthew 9:14-15; Mark 2:18-20; Luke 5:33-35
King's War - Luke 14:31-33
Lamp on a Stand - Matthew 5:14-16; Mark 4:21-23; Luke 8:16-18
Leaven - Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20-21
Lesson from a Fig Tree - Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-32; Luke 21:29-33
Lost sheep - Luke 15:4-7, Matthew 18:12-14
Mustard Seed and Yeast - Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19
New and Old Treasures - Matthew 13:52
New Cloth - Matthew 9:16; Mark 2:21; Luke 5:36
New Wine - Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22; Luke 5:37-39
Net of Fish - Matthew 13:47-50
Official who Refused to Forgive - Matthew 18:21-35
One Coin - Luke 15:8-10
Renters of a Vineyard - Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-18
Shepherd and His Flock - John 10:1-18
Workers in Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16
Wedding Banquet - Matthew 22:1-14, Luke 14:16-24
Persistent Widow - Luke 18:1-8
Pharisee and Tax Collector - Luke 18:9-14
Rich fool - Luke 12:16-21
Rich man and Lazarus - Luke 16:19-31
Salt and Light - Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34-35
Servant's Duty - Luke 17:7-10
Sheep and Goats - Matthew 25:31-46
Sign from God - Matthew 12:38-42; Luke 11:29-32, Mark 8:12
Two Debtors - Luke 7:41-43
The Farmer - Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 8:4-15
The Lost Son - Luke 15:11-32
Ten Servants - Luke 19:11-27, Matthew 25:14-30
Two Sons - Matthew 21:28-32
Ten Talents - Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 19:12-27
Ten Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13
True Vine - John 15:1-17
Unprepared Builder - Luke 14:28-30
Weeds Among Wheat - Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Wise and Foolish Builders - Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49
Wise Steward - Luke 12:42-48

These are 53 parables that we can look at and study together for the next couple of months.

Prayer ~ Jesus, open our eyes, ears and heart to understanding Your words. Guide us into clearly understanding and applying Your teachings to our lives.

Daily Bible Reading: Isaiah 28-30

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Rest for Your Soul

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 NASB 

Are you tired today? Just plain worn-out—physically, emotionally or spiritually? Jesus is inviting anyone to draw near to Him…and He promises to give rest. Eight hours should be enough sleep for most people, although twelve hours is essential for small children. Teenagers seem to need those twelve hours also—but theirs may go from midnight to noon. Ah the lazy days of summer. Our souls, as well as our bodies, do need rest from time to time. When was the last time that you took time to find rest for your soul?

Look Up. Find Rest for Your Soul.

Seattle Space Needle - pointing to Heaven.

Let the Spirit renew you—from the inside out. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10. Renewal is a necessary thing. We all get beaten down, discouraged, drained, depressed or just plain tired sometime. We need renewal—revitalization. There used to be big tent revivals—and then city wide revivals…now we just have an occasional sermon that refreshes us…or a retreat that gives us a renewed outlook. We need to devote ourselves to getting refreshed. I need that right now—so how do I get renewed? A couple of times I’ve gone on a half-day of prayer by myself and that was the very thing I needed. Time away from others…just God and me. He refreshed my soul—reminding me that He created me and that He wants me to be pure—even holy—so that I can stand before Him. He can only have purity in His presence. I don’t want Him to turn me away. I want to be holy.

How about you? Are you presenting yourself as a living sacrifice to God? Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please do create in me a clean heart and renew my spirit—my very soul that I would be pleasing to the Heavenly Father. I present myself a living sacrifice. I worship You ~ Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy of all my praise. 

Daily Bible Reading: Hosea 8-14 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table    

Once again…at my oldest Grandgirl’s request… I’d like to share my Dad’s favorite recipe. He always had some of these cookies baked and ready for the grandkids…and all of us…when we came to visit. Molasses is a superfood that has some iron in it that should be good for our blood…carrying oxygen and giving us energy. Good rationalization for a reason to take a couple of more cookies! Rest and enjoy. 

Grandpa Reuben’s Molasses Crinkles

2¼ cups flour

1 tsp soda

¼ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

½ tsp cloves

1 cup brown sugar

¾ cup oil

1/3 cup blackstrap unsulphured molasses

1 egg

Granulated sugar 

Stir together dry ingredients and set aside.

Cream brown sugar, oil, molasses and egg. Mix in the dry ingredients. Shape into balls. Dip into granulated sugar. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees, 8-12 minutes. Do not over bake. Makes 4½ to 5 dozen. Store in a Tupperware container. Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.

© 2017 Text and photos 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

Stand Up for Your Friend

Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:28-33 NASB 

Stand up for your friends.

Have you ever stood up for a friend or had a friend stand up for you?  That is just what Jesus is saying He’ll do for anyone who confesses—declares that Jesus is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, the Son of God. What a promise—He will acknowledge us to God the Father. “Hey, Abba, Poppa—this is my good friend…who’s devoted to You and has told all their family, friends and neighbors about You.” Can you just hear Jesus declaring your name to our God? Only if…you have declared His name before others. That’s where salvation begins…by declaring that the Lord your God, He is God (Joshua 2:11). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10.

Being denied is like being rejected and feeling unloved. Everyone wants to feel loved. How’s your level of feeling loved lately. High or low? I hope that you are not feeling rejected by God…or others. Stand up for your friend, Jesus. He will stand up for you. You are valuable to Him.

Prayer ~ Lord God, my heart's desire and my prayer to You God is for the unsaved in Israel…for their salvation, from Romans 10:1 NASB. And for the unsaved…around the world and in my neighborhood. May my life and my words reflect the fact that You are God—the one true God of Heaven and earth.

Daily Bible Reading: Hosea 1-7

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Immediate Response

Modern Fisherman at the Sea of Galilee

Casting his net.

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. Matthew 4:18-23 NASB

Jesus promised those fishermen that He would make them fishers of men. He was giving them the opportunity to become His disciples…followers of Himself. Those fishermen likely had heard about Jesus and His baptism. His powerful healing ministry began right after He called His first disciples. At Jesus’ invitation and promise, I will, those fishermen responded…Immediately. They didn’t hang around and finish their day of fishing, mending their nets or saying so long to their Dad. They dropped what they were doing and went with Jesus. They got to be with Jesus as He began His teaching, preaching and healing ministry. What a great opportunity for them. We can only read about it now…but we can still respond, like those fishermen more than 2,000 years ago. We can follow Jesus and become fishers of men. There is a song that children are still learning…I will make you fishers of men, if you follow me. What does it mean to “follow” Jesus today? To be like Jesus—showing love, kindness, goodness, mercy and grace to those we live with and those we meet along the way. Jesus expects His followers to be obedient to His teachings and commandments. He also expects us to make disciples of others—to teach them to follow Jesus’ words and ways.

This scripture passage tells us of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. At the end of His ministry He tells His disciples…

Jesus came and told His disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 

Do you consider yourself a disciple…a follower…of Jesus Christ? Are you making disciples of others, teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, just like You taught and spoke with your followers on the Road to Emmaus, speak to me and open my mind to understand the Scriptures. From Luke 24:45. I want to follow You,  listen to You, obey your commands, and tell others about  power and glory . Great are You Lord, and greatly to be praised….Psalm 48:1. 

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 18; 2 Chronicles 29-31;  Psalms 48 

© 2017 Text and photos 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.