Blessed Mourning

Blessed and enviably happy [with a happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted!  Matthew 5:4 Amplified  

Enviably happy. Pleasingly happy. Happy and mournful. Do those go together? Jesus thought so. A thought that Matthew Henry conveyed in his commentary is that those mourning were righteously mourning. Graciously mourning for the lost, compassionately mourning for the sins of others, or repentantly mourning for our own sins; it is a godly sorrow. To be blessed during sorrow is a gracious gift from God. It is comforting—to know God cares—to know that others care. The ultimate comfort will be the promises that God has given us in Isaiah and Revelation concerning the end of the age…and heaven. No tears and thus no mourning. That will be a blessed time. Eternity without tears.

-          He will swallow up death for all time, And the Lord GOD will wipe tears away from all faces, And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8.

-          And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." Revelation 21:3-4 

Morning Glory - Give God the Glory

Sorrow is better than laughter, for when a face is sad a heart may be happy. Ecclesiastes 7:3  

Let us rejoice and be glad for God cares for us. May our mourning be turned into joy—and our joy be evident even during our mourning. Jesus must have had times of mourning—besides what we have recorded at Lazarus’ death when He wept. His heart was probably broken over the loss of family and other friends—but probably more so over complete strangers who rejected Him—and thus rejected our Heavenly Father, too. How would you respond to seeing Jesus mourning over lost souls...over sin…over you?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, it will be a joy in Heaven to have tears wiped away—no pain, no sorrow. What a wonderful plan and promise. It brings joy to my heart even now to know that You, our Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit care enough about me, my family and my friends to comfort us—to care about us eternally. And it is equally encouraging to know that You care about the lost and those who are mourning—just like You care for us and all those who You seek. And we thought that we were seeking You—but all along You were seeking us. Thank you for not giving up on us. Thank you for blessing us while we were mourning.

Please comfort our family and friends as they deal with life and death and other mournful situations. Draw them close to You—and give them Your deep abiding peace.

Recycled from August 20, 2014

Daily Bible Reading: Habakkuk

© 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.

He Appeared Again

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. John 21:1

The Sea of Galilee. Just a big lake. Imagine Jesus standing on the shore in the early morning light, watching His disciples trying to catch fish. Three years earlier He had taken them from their boats and fishing to make them fishers of men. Now they were back at it—fishing. He came to see them—knowing that they were there casting their nets. Tossing them again…and again.

How like those disciples—the fishermen—are we—you and me? Do we go back to our old ways when we don’t have any specific guidance from our teacher? Look—is Jesus there on the shore watching you as you cast your net?  Jesus is watching you and waiting for you to do His work—not go back to your old ways. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, precious Savior, just as You called Your disciples…"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19, I hear You calling me.

Daily Bible Reading:2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 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.

Just a Little Yeast

He also asked, "What else is the Kingdom of God like? It is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough." Luke 13:20-21

Yeast in the Bible is a symbol for sin or moral corruption that infects others …but it is necessary ingredient in most breads. There are some non-yeast breads—like those that use baking powder and or baking soda. Then there are non-yeast breads like crackers and unleavened bread used in the Passover Meal with no leavening. Remember when God told the Israelites to prepare and eat their meal quickly—not to wait around for their bread to rise (Exodus 12). In this parable the yeast is a good thing…multiplying and permeating the world with the Gospel message. That message should go around the world—to ALL nations—just like Jesus told His disciples “…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 28:19-20

Will you let “yeast” be like sin to you…or like the bubbles of joyful sharing of the Good News about our Savior and Messiah? The choice is yours.  For myself, I choose to let the truth that Jesus is the Son of God bubbles like yeast and go into all areas my life…and into yours and everyone around me.  

 Prayer ~ Jesus…continue to fill me with Your love, knowledge and wisdom that would bubble over from my life into others.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 38-40; Psalm 74, 79  

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

60 Minute Wheat Rolls

2 pkgs. Active quick-rise dry yeast
3 Tbsp. sugar or honey
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. powdered milk (optional)
1 1/2 c. hot tap water

2 Tbsp softened butter, at room temperature
4 to 4 1/2 c. unsifted flour (half wheat and half white)

Thoroughly mix 1 cup flour and dry ingredients. Gradually add water and butter to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Add remaining flour and beat to make soft dough. Place in greased bowl, cover and rise 15 minutes. Turn out onto floured board. Knead about 5 minutes, until not sticky. Shape dough and place on greased baking sheet Cover and let rise again for about 15 minutes. Bake 400 degree oven about 12 minutes (depends on the size of the rolls). Makes 16-20 rolls.  [Quantities adjusted from an original recipe baked by the cook at a Larry Burkett Financial Planning Workshop, in Georgia, 1988.]

© 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.

Guest Table Manners

When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, He gave them this advice: "When you are invited to a wedding feast, don't sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has also been invited? The host will come and say, 'Give this person your seat.' Then you will be embarrassed, and you will have to take whatever seat is left at the foot of the table! Instead, take the lowest place at the foot of the table. Then when your host sees you, he will come and say, 'Friend, we have a better place for you!' Then you will be honored in front of all the other guests. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Luke 14:7-11    

Jesus gave such good advice in this parable. Don’t honor yourself! It goes along with other teachings…

"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18

The man answered, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27

Love others…put their desires ahead of your own.

It also goes with the acrostic that many Sunday School teachers use for JOY…

Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. Do you live that way?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, I am aware of Your presence in my life…and Your healing touch—Thank You. Please remind me daily of the JOY that You bring into my life and that I need to live moment by moment putting You first…Others next and myself last.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 35-37

Happy Heavenly Birthday – Grandpa Gerald!

107

© 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.

Attentiveness

Read Proverbs 16

He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20

Attentiveness is paying attention to other people’s needs and desires, respectfully listening to them, focusing on what they have to say—not on our own interests. It is also giving our full attention and contemplation to God’s Word. Jesus was very attentive to those around Him—and to God His Father. He said over and over that He came to do the will of His Father. He obviously listened to His Father—since He spoke what His Father wanted Him to say…and did what He wanted Him to do. Are you so focused—so attentive—on God that you do what He wants you to do and say what He wants you to say?

Family Activity – Children need to be taught to care about others. Being taught to share…beginning at about one-year of age, is a good point for them realize that the needs of others must be considered. It is hard for pre-school children to focus on others—their life is about “Me” and their own needs. By the time children are in about the first or second grade they can begin to empathize with others and understand that other people have needs and interests beyond themselves. So be an example to them—share and care with not only your children—but let them see that you care about others within your family, your circle of friends, your neighborhood, your community, and beyond. Put others first. That is scriptural. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves…from Philippians 2:3. By listening to others you’ll learn about their needs and then rely on God—on the Holy Spirit—to show you what to do and say.

Prayer ~ Lord, sometimes I’m so caught up in my own life that I don’t hear what others are saying—what they need. Help me to listen and be attentive to others and to You.

[Recycled from August 16, 2013]

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 32-34

© 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.

Serving Others the Best

Read Proverbs 15

I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:33 NLT

Kind words heal and help…Proverbs 15:4, The Message. Kind words are always best. Kindness is an action or characteristic that Jesus used regularly to bless those around Him. He did what was best for others—that they might believe and be saved. He healed the blind, made the lame to walk, cast out sins and a legion of demons. He did what was best for others…not always what was best for Him. He was the ultimate servant. We need to use our gifts, talents, and characteristics to serve others, too. Give of our best.  As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10 NASB. Give of your BEST--not used or seconds. 

Are you giving your best...the best of your fruit?

Family Activity – As we strive to be efficient—competent in the use of our time and talents—we need to consider what is best for others. It is good to do things for others…but is it what they need—the best thing for them? Maybe you want to give someone some clothes, but do they need them…are they the right size and the right for this time of the year? Are you providing winter sweaters when it is 90 degrees outside? Let your children help you decide what you need to take to someone who is in need. Talk about what things the person needs. Maybe they have had a house fire or had to move away from their home due to a domestic violence issue. Now they are need some everyday items. What can you provide?

Prayer ~ Lord – We want to use our talents and resources to do what is best for others, to provide for their needs.  We hope that ultimately through kind words and actions they may be saved.

[Recycled from August 15, 2013]

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 30-31

© 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.

Blamelessly Efficient

Read Proverbs 14
…having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. Acts 24:15-16

Proverbs 14 contrasts the foolish and the wise. To be blameless is to be very wise—to follow God’s ways so that your conscience is clear. God created us to know the difference between right and wrong…and that conscience of our usually keeps us in check. Even a four year old will hang his head if he knows he’s done something wrong. How is it that there is still so much crime on the streets around the world? Satan is in control. Don’t let him control your life. Have hope in God. Following Him will result in an eternal life starting here on earth, peace in your heart and joy even in times of trial. Jesus never sinned and we can only hope that we sin less every day—trying to live a holy life. Keep your conscience clear and blameless before God.

Wise or Foolish?

Family Activity – Make a couple of flash cards for each of your children. One should say “FOOL” and the other should say “WISE”. For small children you can create cards with happy and sad faces. Give the cards to your children and then read Proverbs 14—but don’t use the word “fool” or “foolish,” or “wise” as you are reading. Then after each verse or portion of a verse let the children hold up a flash card that they think depicts the person in the verse…foolish or wise. Discuss their choices—or simply praise the right choices and move on.

Prayer ~ Lord, You are an awesome God. Help us to make wise choices that we would have a blameless conscience before You.

Recycled from August 14, 2013]

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 26-29

© 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.

Off With The Old

…that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Ephesians 4:22-25

To be efficient with our time, energy and resources for the Lord we will need to have our minds renewed! Put away the old ways and turn over a new leaf on life—begin fresh—with new energies, new ideas, righteous and holy ways that are pleasing to God. Proverbs 13:20 tells us…Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. NLT. With whom we associate says a lot about our own character. 

Choosing good friends is like choosing good fish--

tasty or just plain smelly!

Family Activity – Talk with your family about the importance of choosing good people for good friends. If you have examples in your own life—share those. Within your extended family there are sure to be some examples of good and bad choices for friends. 

If you are looking for a dramatic way to emphasize this concept, cut out a piece of black construction paper to look like jail bars and a red circle with a line diagonally across it—the traditional “DO NOT ENTER” sign. Then take photos of each family member and put them behind bars. Sometimes bad choices with friends will end up in jail time. Tell them that you never want them to be behind bars and put the “DO NOT ENTER” sign across those bars. Choose your friends wisely.  

Prayer ~ Lord, I give You my old self—my old ways and ask that You renew my mind and spirit that I would become more like Jesus every day. Help us to speak the truth—Your truth to everyone around us—that they would know we are Christians by our love.

[Recycled from August 13, 2013]

  Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 23-25

© 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.

Number Our Days With a Heart of Wisdom

Who understands the power of Your anger and Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.  Psalm 90:11-12

Number our Days...

Hours and minutes....

Be efficient. Seek better ways—God’s ways and His wisdom. The Message Bible tells us in Proverbs 12:2 that…a good person basks in the delight of God, and he wants nothing to do with devious schemers. I’d say that if a person is trying to be efficient then they aren’t going to waste their time with devious schemers. Jesus didn’t waste His time with schemers…He was up front with even a rich ruler who wanted to know how to inherit eternal life—and professed to have kept all the commandments. When Jesus heard this, He said to him, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

Prayer ~ Lord help us to see and understand the wisdom that You give us. Show us how to be efficient with our time and energy in serving You.

[Recycled from August 12, 2013]
Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 18-22

© 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 Efficient?

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

What does it mean to be “efficient”? It is to be well organized, resourceful and competent so that by seeking better ways a person can do their best and make the most of every situation. Wisdom and efficiency go hand in hand. A person can’t really be efficient without being wise—or seeking wisdom in the task that they are doing. Jesus certainly could be considered to be an efficient person. He didn’t waste time doing unnecessary things—and He encouraged others likewise. Remember how He spoke to Martha…but Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42. We need to take a lesson from that—to be wise about our choices and focus on the one thing—either a one dish meal that means we have more time for our guests or just time to focus on the Lord. Be wise and be efficient.

Prayer ~ Lord, open our eyes and hearts that we would see and understand what Your will is for us today. Help us to make the most of our time—to be wise, not foolish, in the things we say and do.

[Recycled from August 11, 2013]

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 14-17

Summer Flower

Painting by Grandgirl Liberty

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The summer garden is still producing lots of tomatoes and cucumbers—make some fresh salsa. Add some cooked chopped chicken, if you like, or some goat cheese and you have a meal!

Cucumber Salsa

2 medium cucumbers, peeled and chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoon fresh cilantro, finely snipped

1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely snipped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 package tortilla chips or warm fresh tortillas

In a medium bowl, stir together the cucumbers, tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, onion, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, dill, and salt.

Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve with tortilla chips or roll up in fresh warm tortillas.

Taking a break and Recycling some earlier blog posts while I recover from shoulder surgery - pray for me. Thanks.

© 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.

Give Up Everything

What king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can't, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own. Luke 14:31-33 

Fishing Boat on the Sea of Galilee

Jesus told His disciples and other followers that they had to give up everything to follow Him. Everything. Peter, James, John and Andrew gave up their fishing…fish, nets, boats, life at the Sea of Galilee…to follow Jesus when He called to them…“Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19. Note that James and John even left their father, Zebedee, to follow Jesus. Do you think that they counted the cost like those kings about to go to battle? Did they stop to figure out how much income they would lose? I don’t think so. The Rabbi was calling them to come…whereas usually the disciple asks the Rabbi if he can follow. Big switch. They gave up everything…can we do the same? What do I need to “give up” to follow Jesus? What do you need to give up to follow Jesus?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I hear You calling, “Follow Me….” Are you asking me to do what You asked the religious leader who came to You asking what he must do to inherit eternal life? You answered… "There is still one thing you haven't done. Sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Luke 18:22. You are my treasure in heaven. Whatever it takes.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 10-13

© 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.

Fasting or Celebrating?

One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked Him, "Why don't your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?" Jesus replied, "Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. Matthew 9:14-15

Jesus often used parables of weddings. Everyone in that day knew, just as everyone now knows, about wedding customs. There are always joyous festivities associated with weddings. Love is being celebrated. In His parable Jesus is the Bridegroom and He knows how to throw a great party! No mourning or fasting among the wedding guests.  

Wedding Flowers - Celebrate Love

Fasting was a ritual that the Jews did on two major days, and then on at least three other days as minor holidays. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, as a part of their annual repentance before God for their sins, was one of the major fasts, along with Tisha be-Av which commemorated the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and the mourning for the incident of the spies Moses sent into the Promised Land who thought it was impossible to conquer the giants already living in the Land.
The Book of Esther gives us a good example of fasting. Esther was to go before the king to ask a favor of him—that he spare the lives of the Jewish people. Here’s what she asks of the Jews in captivity there in Babylon before her audience with the king.

Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die." Esther 4:16 

Don’t eat or drink for three days! Wow—that is a commitment! Just think how thirsty you are after just a few hours without water or any other beverage. Normally the Jews only fasted for about twenty-four hours, so Esther’s fast was unusual. It was effective since the king kindly received her.

The Pharisee during Jesus’ time were nit pickers who wanted to follow the letter of the law and fasted religiously for each occasion to make themselves look pious. Conversely, Jesus wasn’t about fasting, but about celebrating. I would certainly rather celebrate Jesus presence in my life that mourn and fast as a ritualistic observance. Would you rather mourn and fast…or celebrate Jesus’ power and presence in your life?

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You for giving us reason to celebrate and to practice Your presence in our lives. Although You’ve gone away, there is no need for us to fast and mourn. May we rejoice in all that You have done for us and anticipate the day of Your return.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 7-9

© 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.

Let Your Light Shine - Man of Integrity

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 

A little more than a week ago a man of integrity—respected by hundreds—died in a senseless auto-farm vehicle accident.

There are good people, honest people, helpful people, righteous people and a few people who have true integrity. I think that a combination of all the goodness and honesty with God and men results in integrity. Did this gentleman have a moral integrity where he was truly right with God? I don’t know—it is not for me to judge. He certainly did let his light shine. He was a great example for others—always serving his community and country in one way or another—like serving in the army during the Vietnam era, being a school board member, port commissioner and farmers/irrigators association president. He was a hardworking, successful businessman with a lot of talents that it took be a profitable farmer. He was a loving and devoted husband, a good father, grandfather, and the type of friend who would challenge you to think, but who would also give you the shirt off his back. Those who knew him were blessed. He let his light shine for who he was—a man of integrity.

Do you let your light shine? Does Jesus shine through you?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, my heart goes out to those who have lost a family member or dear friend unexpectantly. Comfort and strengthen them--giving them Your Peace. May they again find joy in their lives.
May any good deeds that I do allow others to see You—and to give praise to You and to our heavenly Father.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 4-6

© 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.

Hidden Treasure

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! Matthew 13:45-46

Pearls have such an enduring quality—really good, natural pearls have a luster, a glow that is unlike any other gem.

The Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, available on the Blue Letter Bible Website, tells us that besides a precious gemstone, the pearl is a valuable word—a proverb. I’d usually thought of this parable as literally a real pearl—the gem stone, but Jesus is telling us in this parable that the pearl is a valuable truth and the merchant is seeking it with all that he has. That is how we are to value God’s Word—above all else.

In a similar parable spoken at the Sermon on the Mount Jesus tell us to be careful with His words—not to give them to swine—or people that are hostile to the Gospel and will likely profane them. 

Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6 NASB

That is a hard one—I thought we were to share the Gospel with everyone. Not so. Of course, there are people that I would never dare to approach—in places I wouldn’t go, like some inner city streets—but I know that God loves them, just like He loves me. Who will reach them for the Lord?

Prayer ~ Lord, may I spread Your pearls of wisdom before those whom You have prepared to receive Your word. Let them seek and cherish Your teaching as I do.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 1-3

© 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.

Harvest for the Kingdom

Jesus also said, "The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he's asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come." Mark 4:26-29  

The Kingdom of God…. Jesus gave us several parables that describe the Kingdom of God to specific groups of people. Here it is to benefit the farmers. Farmers in Israel. Farmers were likely growing wheat, barley, chickpeas, olives, dates, pomegranates, and of course, grapes. Since Jesus was talking about seeds sprouting it is most likely He was referring to a grain crop like wheat or barley sprouting. The farmer has worked hard preparing the soil—by hand…or maybe using a mule. Then planting his seeds—hoping for rain. 

Have you ever planted seeds before in a garden or in farmland and then waited and watched for them to sprout?  The earth produces the crops. Time lapse videos are really great to watch—search one out and watch it. The plants pushing up their leaves and stem seem to dance as they sprout and grow. As the plant matures the seed head forms and ripens. Then harvest—like in the story of “The Little Red Hen” who after planting and caring for the wheat, asks the pig, cat and duck who will harvest the grain, grind it and make it into bread—no one—and then who will eat the bread? All the animals wanted to eat the bread, but no one wanted to do the work. The work of the harvest.

Jesus was telling His disciples that the time for harvest had come. They needed to put the sickle to the stacks and harvest the grain. Likewise…it is time to harvest souls. Those souls will be harvested for the Kingdom of God. When that harvest happens will you be among the mature sheaves of grain?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I am patiently waiting for the Your return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. Like those farmers I eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. James 5:7. 

Daily Bible Reading: Zephaniah

© 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.

Why Eat with Scum?

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and His disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such scum?" When Jesus heard this, He said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor—sick people do." Then He added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." Matthew 9:10-13  

Jesus quoted the book of Hosea.

"O Israel and Judah, what should I do with you?" asks the LORD. "For your love vanishes like the morning mist and disappears like dew in the sunlight. I sent my prophets to cut you to pieces—to slaughter you with my words, with judgments as inescapable as light. I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. But like Adam, you broke my covenant and betrayed my trust.  Hosea 6:4-7

We often refer to Jesus as the Great Physician because He healed the sick—the blind, deaf, lame, those with leprosy and others as well. The book of Mark also records Jesus words…

And hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:17 NASB

Sick or Hurt? Call the Rescue Wagon - the Doctors!

He was concerned about and compassionate to those who were physically and spiritually sick. Those self-righteous Pharisees didn’t even want to be around those who they considered to be beneath them—the tax collectors and other sinners. They remind me of another parable that Jesus spoke about someone with a log or a speck in their eye. Those Pharisees are the one with the log in their eye.

Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Matthew 7:1-5 NASB

Jesus didn’t see those tax collectors and sinners as scum. They were precious in His eyes. He had compassion on them…just as He has compassion on us.

When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36

He is my shepherd. Is He your shepherd?

Prayer ~ Oh Lord Jesus…You are my shepherd; I shall not want. You makes me lie down in green pastures; You lead me beside quiet waters. You restores my soul. You guide me in the paths of righteousness For Your name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD—Your House—forever. Psalm 23:1-6 NASB

Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35

© 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.

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.