Are You Teachable?

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. John 14:26 NASB

Scripture at a Jewish Synagogue

Israel

He will teach you. Are you teachable…open and willing to learn? School has just started again and there are a variety of students out there. Those who are eager to learn and those who only go to school because they have to. Do we sit at Jesus feet—eager to learn or reluctantly sitting there because someone else wants us to…go to church or Bible Study? In his teaching on That the World May Know series Ray Vander Laan has described Jewish customs and history in Jesus time. Both boys and girls at about age five began going to elementary school, the Beth Safer, at the synagogue. They learned to read, write and memorize large portions of scripture—like the whole first five books of the Old Testament—the Torah. After that level of school was completed girls no longer attended school and the boys went on to learn their family’s trade. Some of the boys continued to study with the rabbi, learning the prophets and studying interpretations of the Torah. Students who continued to study with the rabbi, wanting to be like the rabbi—wanting to be a rabbi—would often leave home and travel with the rabbi for extended periods of time. That is how it should be for us…to want to be like Jesus—that we would spend time with Him…learning scripture and applying it to our lives. Jesus is encouraging us in this passage from John 14 to trust the Holy Spirit to teach us all things and to bring God’s Word to our memory. What has He taught you today?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—teach me and give me wisdom to understand more about Jesus that I can become more like Him every day. Help me to be compassionate, loving, understanding, forgiving, honorable, obedient, and even a good teacher. Bring to my remembrance all of Jesus’ teachings that I can share them with others and apply them to my life.  

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 31-33

© 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 Orphans Here

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him." John 14:18-21 NASB

Orphans. All alone. Imagine how they feel…or maybe you’ve experienced it? Unloved, rejected, unwanted, and abandoned. But that is not how Jesus will treat anyone. He promised to not leave us as orphans—but He will come back and we’ll live with Him. That is IF we love Him and keep His commandments, He will love us and His Father will love us. What a promise! Imagine yourself wrapped in the loving arms of Jesus and our Heavenly Father. This is not a new promise. Look at Psalms 82. Justice and rescue. Those are comforting promises. 

Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.  Psalm 82:3-4

Being adopted into God’s family is one of the best things about knowing God—about being able to call Him, “Abba, Father.” This is described in Galatians. 

But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children. And because we are His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are His child, God has made you His heir. Galatians 4:4-7.

A passage in Ephesians should make you feel wanted by the Heavenly Father. Imagine God’s arms wrapping around you…

God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5.

Adopting us gave Him pleasure—made Him happy! If that could fill Him with joy—how should it make us feel? Overwhelmed by the love of the Father? I feel privileged to be part of His family…forever. Jesus is telling us we are not orphans. We may have felt abandoned at some time in our lives…but we aren’t abandoned or forsaken. God want us to be part of His family. How will you respond to this message today?

Prayer~ Jesus…my brother, my Savior, my friend, my creator, my sustainer…You are my everything. You are everlasting, King of Kings, Lord of Lords. I continually praise Your name and humbly bow before You and the Heavenly Father. My Abba Father.  

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 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.

If You Love

If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17 NASB

Have you ever needed help? Spiritual help? Or even just help finding your keys? The Holy Spirit is good about being that “Rememberer” for me. He helps me not only find my keys, but find scripture that is appropriate for particular prayers or just calms my very soul when I’m distressed. He prompts me to do things…call, visit, send notes, take food, say a word or two, and help others…when I listen and respond. Obedience starts with listening to the Holy Spirit. If…if…if. If you love Jesus, you will keep God’s commandments. That is what I live to do…how about you? Do you live with a purpose? Is that your purpose to glorify God…to keep His commandments? Does the Holy Spirit live within you…and do you listen and obey? If you love….

Young Grapes on the Vine - Israel

If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the LORD your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. Deuteronomy 11:13-14.

Prayer ~ Lord, I love You…and I want to show that love by keeping Your commandment…in all that I think, say and do. May my life bring You glory. Thank you for the Holy Spirit—who gives me guidance, strength and hope.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 25-27

© 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.

Ask…Simply Ask

Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:13-14 NASB

Turn to Jesus where you are. Ask.

WHATEVER! ASK!

What would you ask Jesus for…to help you with…to give you peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, wisdom, knowledge, joy…love? He’s a big God. There is no limit. Don’t put Him in a box. Don’t tie His hands—let Him help you…provide you with what you need. You don't have to be in church...just pray, ask where you are.

What do you need? 

Ask.

Jesus has promised. 

Take Him up on His promise. 

Ask.

Whatever. 

Prayer ~ Jesus…You chose me. I didn’t choose you. You appointed me to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give me whatever I ask for, using Your name. John 15:16. I praise You and thank you.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 23-24

© 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.

The Carpenter is Building a Bigger House

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 14:2-3 NASB

In the marriage customs of the Hebrew people after the betrothal or engagement of the couple, the bridegroom must build their home, adding onto his father’s existing home. When it was ready, the father of the groom would invite people to the wedding, sometimes providing special wedding clothes for them. The bride would be taken by her guests from her family’s home in a procession in the middle of the night through the streets to the bridegroom’s home. The bridegroom would not be at home when she arrived, giving her time to have her hair done by her maids in waiting. He would be having dinner at another relative’s home and his wedding guests would accompany him back to his own home where his bride waited for him. People along his procession route would call out “There he is. He is coming!” The bride’s maids in waiting would come out with oil lamps to light up the entrance as the groom and his guests arrived. After the bridegroom procession entered, the doors were shut and no other guests were received. Then the bride and groom would be seated under a colorful canopy and for the next three to five days the father of the groom hosted an elaborate and elegant banquet.

Busy Angels in Heaven

Jesus is that bridegroom—for His bride, the Church. He’s gone to heaven to prepare a place—a magnificent home for us. It is so exciting. I’ve only lived in a brand-new house once in my life. When I was eight years old my parents built a new house—and it was so beautiful to us. It was really lovely three bedroom home with pastel plastered walls, lots of windows, and a full unfinished basement that gave us kids lots of play room when the weather was too hot or too cold to be outdoors. What will our home in heaven be like? Jesus was a carpenter—so He probably has some really good design ideas and is keeping those angels busy creating just the perfectly exquisite domicile for each of us. I like to imagine that those who are creative here on earth—will probably continue that in heaven and that Jesus will provide a space for people to do artistic projects to glorify the Father. Perhaps there will be elaborate kitchens for all the chefs, bakers and cooks to resourcefully prepare daily feasts. What could be better? The book of Revelation tells us that we will be singing around the thrones where God the Father and Jesus Christ are seated. Knowing that we’ll have a wonderful home and lots of singing does make heaven appealing to me. How about you? Do you want to go there? Where do you stand in your faith in Jesus Christ? He said that the only way to the Father, i.e. heaven, is through Him. So those who believe in Him can be assured that He is building a home attached to our Heavenly Father’s home. Hope to see you there!

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, I am so anxious to see what my new home in heaven is going to be like, but I am forcing myself to be patient. Help me to be prepared for Jesus’ return. Give me wisdom to know what to do as I wait. I joyfully look forward to sitting at Your banquet table, feasting with You, singing praises to You at Your throne, and living in the home that Jesus promised to prepare for me.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 21-22

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

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

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Thirst No More

Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw." John 4:13-15 NASB 

What a promise! A well that provides living water—eternal life. What more could anyone ask? People have been searching for centuries for a fountain of youth—a way to live forever. They just missed the boat…and should have been looking for a person who could provide eternal life. They should have been looking for Jesus. Of course, the eternal life He has to offer doesn’t mean that we won’t get wrinkles or gray hair…but if we believe in Jesus as God and the Son of God, we will spend eternity in His Heavenly home—actually in a home that He has gone to heaven to build just for us.

That woman at the well is nameless—but Jesus her, knew her heart and her past. He knows us just the same—better than we know ourselves. Read her encounter with Jesus, John 4:1-42. She was shunned by society for her lifestyle. Five husbands. No one wanted to be around her for fear that she would steal their husband. So off to the well she trudged in the heat of the day at noon when no one else was there to draw water. With Jesus eternal water she would never have to draw any water again! In the day of having to haul every drop of water used in the home that would be a big thing. Then she discovered He was the Messiah. She left her water jug behind and ran to tell everyone in the town that the Messiah was there—well not in so many words, but she did want them to come and meet Jesus, the Man with the Living Water.   

Prayer ~ Jesus… Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty...  Like that woman at the well I long to hear Your voice and continue to drink Your water that provides eternal life. Your words are everlasting and satisfy my thirst.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 18-20

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table
You’ve often heard…You are what you eat. Have you ever considered…You are what you read?
Think about it…Fill your mind with good things. That is the benefit of reading God’s word. Feasting on His goodness.  Do you make it a daily habit?
Have you read any good cookbook lately? One of my favorite authors of memoirs with recipes is Ruth Reichl. Her books include:
           Mmmmm: A Feastiary

            Tender at the Bone: Growing Up at the Table

            Comfort Me with Apples: More Adventures at the Table

            Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise

            For You, Mom. Finally

            My Kitchen Year
She also wrote Delicious! A Novel, which includes some tasty recipes. She started cooking when she was about seven as I recall. That is about the same age I was when I baked oatmeal cookies for the first time without help from anyone. My Mom and sister were gone someplace and I asked Dad if I could make oatmeal cookies. “Can you read the recipe…do you know how to do it?” he asked. “Sure,” I confidently replied and set about measuring all the ingredients into a bowl. I didn’t really follow the recipe directions. You are supposed to cream the butter and sugar together, add the eggs, and then stir in the dry ingredients. I had everything in the bowl and then mixed like crazy with a big wooden spoon. They turned out OK. From then on, I followed the directions.

What recipe would you include if you were to write your memoirs? I would have to include the Quaker Oats Oatmeal Cookies recipe from the Quaker Oats website and as printed on the Oatmeal Box. It looks like the recipe hasn’t changed in 60 years since my first adventure in solo baking.

Vanishing Oatmeal Cookies  

Ingredients

½ cup (1 stick) plus 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

2        eggs

1        tsp vanilla

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp salt (optional)

3 cups Quaker® Oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)

1 cup raisins or chocolate chips 

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat butter and sugars on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; beat well. Add combined flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats and raisins (or chips); mix well. Drop dough by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. Store tightly covered.
Enjoy with a tall cool glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

© 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 What is Right…Now

"But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand and the goats at His left. Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.' Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, 'Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' Then they will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?' "And He will answer, 'I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life." Matthew 25:31-46

Judgement…Jesus is seated on His throne. Listen in to what this parable tells us that Jesus will say.  We need to treat everyone as if they were Jesus. I see part of Jesus mission on earth was just to teach us how we should live and treat others. Good thing that those lessons were recorded in the Bible—because mankind just needs those lessons over and over…I do.

This parable is similar to what we read in Psalm… There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right. Psalm 106:3. 

Feed One Another

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. Matthew 7:12. Jesus was just giving basic human kindness lesson that every two year old must learn.

      Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB. Simply…do what is right and what is right is probably how you want others to treat you. Can you follow Jesus example and teachings? His promise for the righteous is eternal life. That is worth trying to mold our lives by Jesus’ principles.

And one of my favorite verses echoes the same thought…

Prayer ~ Lord, help me to do whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, and if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, may my thoughts dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 16-17

© 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.

Joy in Heaven

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven't strayed away! Luke 15:4-7

Celebrate 

One-two-three-four-five-----96-97-98-99…where is number 100? It was the custom for the shepherd to count his sheep as the flock came into the sheepfold for the evening. Where is 100? The shepherd goes to search for that lost one—it is just as important as each of the other sheep. It seems to me that he is very trusting to leave the other 99 sheep just in the wilderness—but remember they are in the sheepfold. Did he leave his sheepdog to guard them? No worries—they’ll stick together. It is for that one out there by itself that he is concerned. Is it stuck in a ravine somewhere…or carried away by swift water in a wadi? Sometimes sheep can’t turn themselves over if their fleece gets soaking wet and they fall onto their back. That is a lot of “ifs” and those are the thoughts going through the shepherd’s mind as he sets out to find his lost sheep. There are wolves and lions out there in the wilderness so that shepherd need to find its sweet lamb before anything else does. Out he goes into the twilight…calling his lamb by name, whistling loudly. What’s that? He hears a familiar bleating. His lost lamb—caught in some spiny bushes. He pulls it free and places it around his neck, racing back to his sheepfold and to his family and neighbors. He announces he has found his lost sheep and it is time to celebrate! Jesus tells us in this parable that there is even more joy in heaven when a sinner repents. Celebrating is a good thing to do—so help someone find Jesus The lost one is found…and joyously celebrate with them.

Prayer ~ Jesus…like the father of the prodigal son—we celebrate those who turn to You—those who learn to trust and rely on You—for You are the way, the truth, and the life. It is time to celebrate.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 13-15

© 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.

Loved by the Good Shepherd

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don't belong to him and he isn't their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he's working only for the money and doesn't really care about the sheep.

I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. I have other sheep, too, that are not in this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock with one shepherd. The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded." John 10:11-18  

Have you ever felt abandoned, rejected, totally alone? Did the person you were counting on just give up, disappear or shake their head and walked away? With Jesus as your shepherd you’ll never have to feel abandoned. He promised. He is not just a hired hand who will run away when you face troubles. He’s there to uphold you…fight for you…give your protection and strength against the wolves. He’s already made the ultimate sacrifice for you…and me. He gave His life—obediently—following His Father’s plan. Savior—that is just what He is. The one who came to save. But He is more than that. He is our original Creator (John 1:1), our brother (Romans 8:15), our friend (Psalm 25:14). In the Holy Spirit we have our Comforter, our Helper and Sustainer—as promised by Jesus.

In this passage Jesus repeats that He is the good shepherd. Can we assume that He is telling us that He is good as opposed to a “bad” shepherd? What is a “bad” shepherd? One who doesn’t care for his sheep…who doesn’t provide good pasture, safe water, protection from wild animals, or shelter in a storm. The book of Hebrews 13:20-21 identifies Jesus as the resurrected “great shepherd” and Peter confirms again that Jesus died for our sins—and is the Guardian of our souls. I like that…guardian. That is what a shepherd is and does…guards his flock. So we can be assured that Jesus is guarding us. By His wounds we are healed. He is keeping us safe from evil forces as well as providing physical protection and healing. Think about that shepherd finding a lost lamb with a hurt leg putting some ointment on that sore spot. In that same way Jesus brings us back to Himself when we stray and cares for us.

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:24-25 NASB

Can you rely on Jesus to be your shepherd to guard your very soul?   

Prayer ~ Lord, I have… continually strayed like sheep, but now I return to You as my Shepherd and Guardian of my soul. 1 Peter 2:25 NASB. I feel loved and protected in Your presence. Thank you for  being the ultimate sacrifice.

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 9-12

© 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.

Standards of Measure

And He was saying to them, Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. Mark 4:24 

In the scripture passage right before this verse, Jesus was teaching about the sower who scattered his seeds on a road, on rocky ground, in thorns, and in good soil. The seeds by the road got eaten up by birds, the seeds in the rocky ground didn’t have enough depth of soil to survive, the thorns choked out the crop, and only the seeds in the good soil produced good produce. Jesus promises that more will be given you besides…that is if you measure up well—spiritually. Jesus challenges those who are there to listen—as He said…He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Mark 4:9. That same challenge is for us today.

 

Family Activity – Kids love to measure things—using cups, teaspoons or measuring tapes. Let them measure something, grain or dried beans would go with this passage. Talk with them about how there is a standard of measurement—a cup should always be a cup; a meter should always be a meter. God’s Word is a measurement standard, too. We have to obey His commandments. We have to listen to obey. We need to make our own standards the same as God’s standards. Can you illustrate that for your children? Make a chart of their standards. How do they measure up? You may want to make a video about the sower scripture passage (Mark 4:3-29) using a cam recorder, digital camera or cell phone with someone in your family reading. The video will illustrate how good “soil” in our hearts will produce good fruit if we listen and obey. 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, grant that my children and grandchildren learn to listen to Your Word and obey. May Your standards be their standards.

(Recycled from Banquet With The King blog, August 28, 2013)

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 5-8

© 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.

Listening and Loving God’s Sweet Word

And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to Him in the temple to listen to Him. Luke 21:38

Imagine the promises that those people who went to the Temple to hear Jesus must have heard. All the parables that He told brought meaning to their lives. Would you get up early to hear Jesus speak—how early? Five or six o’clock? The brother of a friend of mine lives in South Korea and he leaves his home some mornings at five AM to travel in heavy traffic for a couple of hours to his church and get a parking place before the service starts. We have no idea what kind of sacrifice that must be. We take for granted that we can get to church in seven minutes—and there are always plenty of empty parking spots—the lot isn’t even half full.

Mezuzah

If a person is living and walking according to God’s commandments and scripture, then listen closely and let them teach you something from God’s Word that is new, fresh and alive. For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12. Be sure you listen and follow God’s teachings.

Family Activity – Get your family up early today…or next Saturday or Sunday morning…and take an early morning walk. Talk to them about how people got up early to go hear Jesus teach. In the Old Testament it gives teaching about teaching your family (sons—but this includes daughters, too) God’s Word… You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates…. Deuteronomy 11:18-20. The Jewish people have a great custom of putting scripture in little metal or ceramic vial by their door—a mezuzah. Write out some scripture and place it by your door—as a remembrance for what the Lord has done for you. As you attach the scripture to your wall, praise the Lord and thank Him for who His is, and for the home and family He has provided for you.

Lord Jesus, may my children and grandchildren grow to love Your Word and find it more precious than gold and sweeter than honey as it says in Psalm 19:10.

(Recycled from August 27, 2013)

Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 1-4

© 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.

Who is the Gatekeeper?

"I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won't follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don't know his voice."

Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn't understand what He meant, so He explained it to them: "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." John 10:1-10

Imagine a wall made of rough stones piled together about three feet high creating an enclosure with about one opening about three to five feet wide. That enclosure would be the sheepfold that Jesus was telling about in this parable. The shepherd would usher or herd his sheep into their pen for the night to keep them safe from lions, wolves, bears or robbers and he himself would lie down and sleep in that doorway—the opening in the sheepfold. No one or nothing could get by him to harm his sheep. In some cases many shepherds might be pasturing their sheep together during the day and sharing the sheepfold at night, the shepherds would take turns being the gatekeeper, allowing the sheep to go in and out of the sheepfold as their shepherd called them. What do you suppose the sheep would be named? Wooly, Bright One, Blacky, Spot, Stubborn, Claudio, Marie, Ivey, Isaac or Shaun? No matter what their names—they knew their shepherd’s voice and obediently came to him when he called.

Sheep in Israel

Now imagine that Jesus is the shepherd—being the gatekeeper of the sheepfold…and we are His sheep. If Jesus is our shepherd, do we know His voice and obediently follow Him when He calls us? He will provide us with good green pastures, safe drinking water and protection from wild animals and thieves. Just like that shepherd in the classic Psalm 23, Jesus provides, protects, comforts, restores and gives His “sheep” hope.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6

How could those hearing Jesus tell this parable not understand it? When I looked at it in context I saw that He was speaking with Pharisees who spent their time in the Temple—not out on the hillsides with sheep, but it wasn’t far from the Temple to the pastures. The verses just prior to this parable tell us…Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, "We are not blind too, are we?" John 9:40 NASB. Are we? What do you think? Jesus may have laughed…but not out loud. Those Pharisee were blind. Their Messiah was standing right before them and they couldn’t see who He was. Do we do any better? Even if we see Jesus as our Lord and Savior, do we rely on Him moment by moment? Please share in the comments section below a way that you’ve seen Jesus work in your life…providing just what you need.

Prayer ~ Jesus, Like a shepherd lead us…providing us with the spiritual food we need every day, renewing our strength, guiding us along Your righteous pathways, protecting us and showing us Your abundant and enduring love that will guide us to our Heavenly home to be with You, forever. You provide all we need.

Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 3-5

© 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.

Can You Learn from the Fig Tree?

And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send out His angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather His chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.

Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know His return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. Matthew 24:30-35 

The very words of Jesus—of course, spoken originally in Hebrew or Aramaic.  In this parable Jesus points us to the fig tree—a common tree known as one of the seven healing fruits of the Israelites. Figs are mentioned 45 times in the New Living Translation, beginning with Adam and Eve’s episode in the Garden. They tried to cover their bodies with fig leaves. Just how did they do that? I have a small fig tree and those leaves are not very big. I’ve wondered just how Eve managed to weave the stems together...or maybe she used a vine to wrap them securely. But then the leaves would dry out and she’d have to start again. Of course, about then God intervened and killed an animal to provide skins for Adam and Eve to wear. What lesson do we learn from the fig tree? Jesus was responding to His disciples questions about the end of the age and the sign of His coming. People today ask the same question…and Jesus has given us the answer. Watch. When we see things happening, the time is near. Things happening…not the fig tree getting leaves and fruit, but things that Jesus had told them which are recorded just before this parable. 

Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come." Matthew 24:4-14

The end will come. Are you watching? Are you ready? Are you listening for that trumpet blast?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You promised that Your words will never disappear. Open our eyes to see Your words in action around us that we would not be deceived. Prepare our hearts to endure the persecution that we may have to face and give us the strength to proclaim You as our Lord, our King and our Messiah. May Your will be done…on earth as it is in Heaven.  

Daily Bible Reading: Lamentations 1-2

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Have you ever eaten a fresh fig? Ahhhh. As a kid I always like Fig Newton Cookies…and like Brian Regan, a serving is a sleeve of cookies…not just two. Those cookies are probably made with dried figs and dried figs are good at Christmas time on those dried fruit trays that we often get and give over the holidays. But fresh figs are the best. Figs produce fruit twice a year, in the spring and in the late summer. My family and I have enjoyed several fresh figs off our new fig tree this year—and we look forward to many more years of fresh figs. One day we’ll have enough to enjoy at a family feast as we sing…Oh bring us some figgy pudding.

Fresh Figs

The figs turn a nice dark brown and are soft when they are ripe. You merely have to give them a little twist or pull—and there you have a fresh fig in the palm of your hand. Slice and serve fresh. There are so many nutrients packed in those little figs, like potassium, calcium and iron and well as lots of fiber. They are sodium, cholesterol and fat free. Figs are known to be good for infections in the stomach, intestines and urinary tract, as well as removing excess mucus from the nose and throat. Lots of other health benefits—so what are you waiting for? Go get some figs! Eat them fresh while they are available.

© 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.

Signs from Heaven

The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. But He replied to them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' "And in the morning, 'There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? Matthew 16:1-3 NASB

Have you ever admired a gorgeous sunset and thought—yes tomorrow will be a beautiful day? Red sky in the night—sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning—sailor take warning. That is just what Jesus must have been talking about when He spoke with those Pharisees and to the crowd in the scripture below.

Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, "When you see clouds beginning to form in the west, you say, 'Here comes a shower.' And you are right. When the south wind blows, you say, 'Today will be a scorcher.' And it is. You fools! You know how to interpret the weather signs of the earth and sky, but you don't know how to interpret the present times. Luke 12:54-56.

How do you “interpret” the present times? Israel is surrounded by unfriendly Arab nations and there are conflicts between them that go back thousands of years. Prophesies have been fulfilled…the Israelis have been returned to the Promised Land and they became an independent nation in 1948. Almost seventy years ago. God has blessed them with abundant crops—where on the same land Arabs were unsuccessful at their farming efforts. The Israelis have continued to fight for their land, to establish their boundaries and borders. Terrorist organizations like Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, are a constant threat to Israel. Old Testament scripture names some of the enemy countries specifically and others geographically.

O God, do not remain quiet; do not be silent and, O God, do not be still. For behold, Your enemies make an uproar, and those who hate You have exalted themselves. They make shrewd plans against Your people, and conspire together against Your treasured ones. They have said, "Come, and let us wipe them out as a nation, that the name of Israel be remembered no more." For they have conspired together with one mind; against You they make a covenant: The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal and Ammon and Amalek, Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; they have become a help to the children of Lot.  Psalm 83:1-8 NASB

Keep your eyes open and watch what is happening in Israel and the nations surrounding them, particularly Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. Pray for the Jews and the Christians living in Israel. God gave a great promise to Abram. A promise of blessing to those who bless him and his family—that is all of the Israelites—and lastly, a blessing on all the families of the earth. There is also the promise of a curse on those who curse them.

Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you; and I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed." Genesis 12:1-3 NASB

Are you praying for the people of Israel? Do you feel blessed—as you bless them? Do you see them with red skies in the morning…or in the evening? Leave me a comment in the comment box below.

Blessings on you as you bless others.

Prayer ~ Lord God, have mercy on the people of Israel—Your chosen people. Protect them from their enemies—and give them strength to fight the battles ahead of them.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 51-52

© 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 You Need a Miraculous Sign?

One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority." But Jesus replied, "Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent. The queen of Sheba will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen." Matthew 12:38-42 

                                                  

Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign…. So, I guess you aren’t looking for a miraculous sign—unless you want to be included in or considered part of an adulterous group. Remember one of the Ten Commandments is not to commit adultery—and Jesus said to think it is to do it. Hmmm. You don’t have to look far or search hard for a doomsday prediction that is also “looking for a miraculous sign” to indicate the end times, Jesus return, or just a great economic earthquake. People didn’t take to heart Jonah’s sign at that time…so will they consider that now? I’ve heard one of the signs of Jonah’s time was a solar eclipse. We just had one. So is that giving us a heads up for watching what will happen next…or soon? The next fulfillment of God’s festivals. The Feast of Tabernacles…Shelters or Booths…occurs this year October 4-11. In just less than 40 days.

"Remember that this seven-day festival to the LORD--the Festival of Shelters--begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees--palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God for seven days. You must observe this festival to the LORD for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." So Moses gave the Israelites these instructions regarding the annual festivals of the LORD. Leviticus 23:39-44

For what kind of sign are you looking?

Where are you going?

Where will you be when Jesus returns? 

Be watchful. Jesus told us… “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” Matthew 25:13. Watch and pray. Then…who can you tell about Jesus today?

Prayer ~ Lord God, the people of Nineveh repented…will the people in the United States…and around the world repent? You've told us what is good, and this is what You require of us: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You. Micah 6:8. Open our hearts and our eyes to follow You—not to look for a miraculous sign, but to seek You with all of our hearts, to trust You to fulfill Your promises, and to share Your truth with everyone around us.   

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 49-50

© 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.

Where Were You During the Eclipse?

The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red before that great and glorious day of the LORD arrives.  Acts 2:20

What was it like for you to watch the solar eclipse? As it got darkish and cooler we excitedly knew we were experiencing the real thing. Along with our grandkiddos we viewed the crescent shape of the sun with our pin hole boxes and safe viewing glasses. The sun become dark…and it was quiet—bugless for a few minutes. The temperature dropped an astonishing nine or ten degrees—and the kiddos put on their sweatshirts. It didn’t get totally dark and we didn’t see any stars—but we were not in a Total Eclipse region—only 96.2%.  As the sunlight returned to normal it was amazing…we had experienced the eclipse! A rooster crowed—yes, there was seemed to be some confusion for the animals. How did it affect you?

Have you followed the blood moons of the last couple of years? Do you think God is trying to tell us something…to pay attention to His prophesies? Have you felt any earthquakes lately or ever? Plenty of people will travel to see a solar eclipse, but not go an area to put themselves in danger of an earthquake—even if those could be accurately predicted.

I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood. Revelation 6:12

Are you telling others about the Creator of our great universe? This is certainly a time to proclaim His majesty. If you don’t…who will? Can you even consider being silent?

As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting: "BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But Jesus answered, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!" Luke 19:37-40 NASB 

Prayer ~ Jesus, You told the waves and the wind to be still and silent…and for us to be still and know that You are God. I’m listening to You…even now as I pause and focus on You. I know You are with me always…I am in Your presence and I thank you for the peace, hope, love and joy that You give to me…to my family, friends and neighbors as well. I shout with my whole being…Blessed is my King, my Savior, my Creator…Jesus. King of King and Lord of Lords.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 46-48

© 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.

Strange Signs Today?

"And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!" Luke 21:25-28 

Watching the sky today? This is a rare occasion to see a solar eclipse. Millions of people are watching the sky today to hopefully, safely, catch a glimpse of the moon passing between the earth and the sun, creating a solar eclipse across the United States. Where I live in Washington State we will experience 96.2% of the eclipse at 10:23 AM. It is going to be exciting! Everyone on earth will declare His glory when they see the wonders of His creation from coast to coast in the US—and via TV and the internet they will see His glory as it happens.

The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples have seen His glory. Psalm 97:6 NASB

Let them give glory to the LORD and declare His praise in the coastlands. Isaiah 42:12 NASB

Praise Him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you twinkling stars! Psalm 148:3

Worship the LORD in all His holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before Him. Tell all the nations, "The LORD reigns!" The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly. Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout His praise! Psalm 96:9-11

Worship the Lord—in all His glory—as the eclipse happens—Give Him the Glory.

Praise God from whom all glory flows. Praise Him as earth below. Praise Him above all heavenly hosts—Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father—I praise You in the Heavens and the Earth. May Your glory be magnified today and may more people see You as their Creator as they witness the eclipse.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 41-45

© 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.