March 4 – Eating with Sinners - Listening

Matthew 9:9-13

Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?”  But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ (Hosea 6:6) for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Romans 3:23 says, “…all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”  Jesus came to all men---but not all men come to Jesus. The Pharisees saw themselves above the tax collectors and sinners and just didn’t see the big picture----ALL HAVE SINNED. Jesus went beyond seeing the “sin” and desired “compassion.”  He wants us to be compassionate—to be concerned, considerate, gentle, benevolent, and kindhearted towards others. The compassion in Hosea 6:6 is lovingkindness, the Hebrew word, hered.

Jesus sat at a table---actually reclined, since that was the custom of the day. This is shown by the Passover meal at the Richland Nazarene Church in 2008.

In Jesus day they didn’t have tall tables and chairs like we do now. Just low tables and cushions. The people that He chose to eat with were not just the Temple ruling Pharisee---but everyday people. He talked and listened to them. Listening is a part of being compassionate. How can you know someone’s needs, if you don’t listen to them?  Listen like Jesus does---and imagine sitting, or reclining, with Him at His table---feasting on His words.

How are you “compassionate” today?  Are you listening to others, or just waiting for them to listen to you?

Jesus, I want to feast on your words. Open my ears to hear you speak specifically to me today.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 3 – Healing of the Demonized Men

Matthew 8:28-34 …the madmen screamed out, “What business do you have giving us a hard time? You’re the Son of God….If you kick us out of these men, let us live in the pigs.”  Jesus said, “Go ahead, but get out of here.” (Living Translation) 

Hillside near Gadarenes

On a trip to Israel when we visited the Gadarenes area, at the north end of the Sea of Galilee, our tour guide asked us what we thought “the other side” meant---and I responded (correctly) “the place of the Gentiles.”  Swine were raised in this area and since Jews don’t eat pork, it had to be a Gentile area. When Jesus cast the demons into the swine those herdsmen lost not only their income, but also their next meal. No sitting down for a feast with Jesus that day. Economically speaking, it is understandable that they asked Jesus to leave. Who asks someone who has just caused them to lose their income to hang around and have a feast with them?  Additionally, we can assume that they were afraid of Jesus’ power. Who can tell demons what to do?  Those who had been demon possessed probably would have liked to have thanked Jesus, but this passage doesn’t tell us that. Today – near the hillside at Gadarenes you’ll find a park with the scripture written in the sand.

Parallel scripture in Mark 5:1-17 and Luke 8:26-39 tells us that there were 2000 pigs. That is a huge herd of swine!  The passage in Mark relates that the formerly demon possessed man wanted to leave with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go home and report to his people the great things the Lord had done for him and the mercy the Lord had on him. So he went to Decapolis, an area of ten Greek cities southeast of the Sea of Galilee (now in Jordan) and told about what Jesus had done for him. Wow—he was like one of the first missionaries for Jesus.

Lord, we praise you and thank you that you came to heal and minister to the Gentiles, too. Help us to tell others what you have done for us.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 2 – Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law

Matthew 8:14-17

When Jesus came into Peter’s home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him. When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.”

Peter’s home in Capernaum is thought to be beneath what is now a Catholic chapel---or rather the Chapel was built over the ruins of Peter’s house (pictured on the left). It was there that Peter’s mother-in-law actually served Jesus food!  She was so sick with a fever---and then He touched her and she was not only well---she served food. She may have even prepared it. Back in Jesus’ day there were no Albertson’s, Safeway or WinCo that have lots of prepackaged and prepared foods, and no McDonald’s or Wendy’s to get take-out food when you have guests drop-in. There was grain to grind for bread---and goat cheese to make---so it was lots of work to “serve” food. She might have served some wine, tea, or coriander coffee, too. Whenever Jesus was near Capernaum He probably stayed at Peter’s home, so his mother-in-law had likely served Jesus and the other disciples many times before---what an honor this time to serve “The Healer”…her Healer!  Do we ever honor Jesus when He “heals” us?  When was the last time you had a fever—and it suddenly left?  And did you have any energy?  Last time I just had a cold—no fever—I was so wiped out just getting up, taking a shower and eating breakfast that I needed a nap before I could go on with the day. It was nothing short of a miracle for Peter’s mother-in-law to have the energy to serve a meal.

When evening came Jesus had lots of work to do---so it was good that He had a meal earlier. Like Peter’s mother-in-law, He needed the strength that a good meal provides. Once people knew of His healing ministry, wherever He went Jesus was called upon to heal the sick and demon-possessed. It only took a word, like “be gone” or “be healed” and they were cured. His touch or His voice was so powerful. Allow Jesus to touch your life today—be healed.

Thank you, Jesus, for your touch on our lives.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 1 – Leprosy

Matthew 8:1-4

“When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him. And a leper came to Him and bowed down before Him, and said, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean."  Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing; be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed….”

This demonstrated Jesus’ power over defilement. People with leprosy, a form of skin disease, were considered ceremonially unclean, had to live outside of the city, and had to shout “unclean” when other people came near. It was used as an illustration of sin. They were considered about the lowest of all people---lower than low.

This leper bowed down and called Jesus “Lord”---acknowledging Jesus’ power and authority. Then he said, “…if are willing….”  So for Jesus to heal this leper meant that He had to touch the leper, thus making Himself “unclean” in Jewish custom. He would have to gone through a cleaning ritual before He could have gone to the Temple again. Jesus knew that healing this leper was more important to the Kingdom of God than whether He Himself would be considered “unclean” too. The power of Jesus love and mercy was instantaneous---immediately the leper was healed. No waiting around to see if some medication worked---Jesus words healed the leper immediately. We could only wish for such a quick fix to any problem that we, our family or friends, might encounter. Cleanliness is so important---whether it is our bodies, our mind, or our food.

Thank you, Jesus, for the immediate healing of this leper. May your healing grace be upon us, our friends and family now.

© 2011 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

February 29 – Leap of Faith

Matthew 7:28-29
“The multitudes were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”

They were amazed at His teachings---we’ve grown up hearing about Jesus---and His teachings are the basis for our lives. We need to have that fresh amazement…and on the “leap year” day, we need to step out in a leap of faith and share His good news with others who may not know just who Jesus is---or what He taught. Seek out someone today at the grocery store, gas station, Starbucks, or somewhere you don’t normally go---and share Jesus with them.

Lord, give me boldness today to share you with even just one other person.  May our paths cross with time to speak and allow us to connect with each other and with You.  Give me just the right words to say.

Take a Leap of Faith. Find and share the joy in your life.

February 28 – Wise and Foolish Builders

Matthew 7:24-27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall."

Whether it is a physical house, or a spiritual house…and whether it is for one person, or for a family, a home needs to be built on a strong foundation. In most cities building inspectors come and make sure that the builder has prepared the forms for the foundation properly even before the concrete is delivered. Then again after the concrete foundation is prepared, inspectors come again to be sure that the house has a proper foundation or alignment. When the house is built in a less populated area, maybe the inspections are not as critical---but they are still necessary. When building a “spiritual” home there needs to be a mentor who can help build a good foundation---making sure that a deep relationship with the Lord is the basis of that foundation. Church attendance, Bible studies, scripture memorization and Christian fellowship provide additional depth and support to that spiritual relationship.

How are your spiritual and physical homes? There is not much we can do to the physical home foundation once it is formed, but our spiritual foundation can be strengthened with every decision we make to turn our life over more fully to the Lord. Choose today how deeply you want to serve God---in just a casual way---or from the very depth of your soul.

Lord, show us the condition of our foundation with you and give us insight in how to make that stronger. We love you and we live to serve you. Amen.

February 27 – Lord-Lord

Matthew 7:21-23

“Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?”  And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, you who practice lawlessness.”

Wow. Depart from me---I never knew you. Those are strong words that I certainly don’t want to hear the Lord speak to me. Be sure you know the true Lord---and are not taken in to following some cult where people think they are following the true Lord, but they aren’t. Test the scripture that you are taught to be sure that it is correct. Look up the reference verses---dig deep into God’s word for yourself. Don’t “prophesy” in the Lord’s name, unless you really feel that you are blessed with the gift of prophesy and have checked with a reputable person that your prophesy is in line with God’s will and teaching. In this day, prophesy is also considered “preaching”. What are you “preaching” to others?   

Demons are spiritual being, angels that fell out of Heaven with the devil. They try to thwart the purposes of God, promote their own doctrine, and can inflict diseases (Matt 9:23). Casting out demons is a risky thing to do since once they are “out” of a person or place, there is a void that can be filled by either another demon---or by goodness. The person must be prepared. If the demon that comes in is greater than the one that left, then life will be even worse.

Lord, please reveal your Word to us in a depth that we can understand and show us the true meaning of your message.

February 26 – Fruit

Matthew 7:15-20

Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit….Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then you will know them by their fruits.

Watch out who you trust to teach you God’s word. He may sound like he is teaching you true scripture, but read it for yourself so that you can be sure that he is teaching the truth. What kind of “fruit” is he producing? Can you imagine picking grapes or blueberries off of thorny bushes? If a tree is healthy it will give good fruit---consider those trees at the orchards. They are healthy even if they are old…and the fruit is tasty. Good fruit---love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22)---will be evident by not only his words, but also by his actions. Are your words and actions signs to your family and friends that you are “bearing” good fruit? If not, it is time to adjust your attitude and actions. If so, then well done, good and faithful servant. Keep on keeping on. 

Lord, help me choose wise words and actions that are “tasty” and encouraging to others.

February 25 - Gates

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Consider how you feel going down a path with gates ahead---wide gate or narrow gate? Which would you choose? Easy and carefree---wide gate that may begin a downhill stretch of the path; or would you choose the challenging narrow gate that may lead to a bit of an uphill climb?  The paths are not labeled--“Destruction” and “Life”---but you need to make wise choices and ask God to show you along each step of the way which way is the good way—although it may be through the narrow gate---toward truth and life. Remember “Ask” and you will receive. Jesus beckons us from this gate at the Garden of Gethsemane to come to Him.

Lord---help us and those we love to make good decisions today. Guide us in your will and your ways.

February 24 – Golden Rule

Matthew 7:12

“However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

The golden rule is recognized around the world as the way to treat other people. Simply behave towards other people the way you want others to treat you. Sometime children will hit others…so training them to be kind and not hit other children so that they don’t get hit back is a good thing. This can be verbal as well as physical…don’t say unkind things to others---so that they don’t say rude and unkind things, too. Don’t let them say things like “dummy” and “stupid”. So do you treat your children and others the way you want to be treated? Children, watch your actions and reactions…and hear the words you speak---so let them be the same as you want to be treated.

Now if only the nations of the world would get the big picture and treat other nations (and individuals) the way they want to be treated. Is peace a dream?

Thank you Jesus for being such a good example for us. Help me treat others the way I want to be treated---like a royal princess.    

February 23 – Ask, Seek, Knock

Matthew 7:7-11
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened….”

This passage is one of my favorite songs. Sing it with me…or hum along. ♫ Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you---hallelujah. Knock and the door will be opened unto you; seek and you will find; ask and it will be given unto you-- hallelujah. ♫

God loves us---listens to us---and honors our requests when they are in His will. Sometimes we get a “no”---but generally even the little things like a good parking place can be attributed to Him. Look for ways that He has been working in your life and give Him “Thanks” for those blessings. If you haven’t read the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp yet—please consider it for your next read. She focuses on how God works in our lives---during the good time and the not so good times---and giving eucharisteo – Grateful Thanks—for all the blessings that God give us. Praise God from whom all blessing flow.

Precious Savior, please give us (ask for your needs today) and thank you for sunshine, rain, rainbows, the clothes and food, and all that you provide, as well as Your love and security.

February 22 – Judging

Matthew 7:1-6
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.

Years ago I was part of a Puppet Ministry at the Base Chapel---in New Mexico, South Carolina and then at the Richland Nazarene Church. In South Carolina I wrote a script using this scripture. The Dad puppet was reading the newspaper and talking to the Mom puppet---criticizing her. Then he puts the paper down and the audience can see the “log” sticking out of his eye. Get that LOG out of your eye---so that you can see the little speck in your brother’s eye. What an illustration.  Jesus was so wise and the picture this paints for us is still appropriate.

What “log” is in your eye? Are you judging others for some insignificant thing in their life---yet you have a big issue in your own life? Maybe it isn’t something “insignificant” in someone else’s life---maybe they are going through some rough marital issues---but you can’t council them if you are dealing with “lust” in your own life. Deal with your own issues before you try to help someone else.

A young lady told me once that she and her husband were getting a divorce. I had no idea they were having “marital issues.’  She said they just weren’t happy. Inwardly I freaked!  NOT HAPPY!   What has “happiness” got to do with marriage and divorce. There is a cycle in marriage where you just may NOT be “happy.”  After 30 years (now almost 40 years) of marriage, I had been through a lot of ups and downs---but we stayed committed to each other. We have made that promise---til death do us part---and we’re keeping that promise. Happiness is a choice---it doesn’t just happen---and there is no promise that marriage will bring happiness. But we can’t go around judging others for their decisions. Listen to them, counsel if they ask for it---but don’t judge. What is the difference between counseling and judging? In counseling someone LISTENS and offers insight and possibly suggestions for options. In judging, well that would be criticizing someone for their actions, telling them what they did WRONG---and what they think the other person SHOULD DO. If I did something wrong or made a decision that didn’t seem very wise at the time---I’d rather be “counseled” than scolded. No one likes to be told they are wrong---but there is a time for everything and if you are wrong—well---you may be wrong. Seek God’s counsel. If given the opportunity to counsel someone else---consider your words carefully. Pray for them…and with them.  

Lord, please show me the “log” in my eye and give me wisdom as I look at others and myself. Thank you Jesus for loving me so much and caring enough to take the log or the speck out of my eye.

February 21 - No Worry

Matthew 6:25-34
"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these…. Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?”  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  

Don’t worry---be happy. There was a book that came out about thirty years ago, Happiness is a Choice  by Drs. Minirth and Meier that encouraged people to choose to be happy---to be content with where they are in their life. It gives Biblical insight into depression, its causes and cures. Worry that is not resolved can lead to depression---a debilitating disease. If you “worry” about stuff…or think you might be depressed---call someone you trust---me—your pastor—a good friend---someone in the family. If unloading with them doesn’t take care of it….seek professional council.

Depression clouds judgment---so be careful not to get into too low a slump. I’ve been there and thought that life just wasn’t worth living…but it is. You are so worthy---of living life---of love. God’s love and the love of those around you. Don’t worry.  Can you take a deep breath, exhale and let go of those worries? Choose to be happy---and to share God’s love.

Lord, show us your love for us in ways that make us feel LOVED---and help us not to worry. Help us to seek you and your kingdom first in our lives. Thanks for providing everything we need.

February 20 – Good Eyes – Bad Eyes

Matthew 6:22-24

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness, how great is that darkness!  No one can serve two masters..…”

So how is your eye today? The eye shines from the heart---so however your heart is---in darkness or light----good or evil---that is how your life is. We make choices moment by moment---we judge each situation, each interaction. Take your thoughts captive---purposefully choose to think holy thoughts, have holy actions, and speak holy, pure words. In doing that we’ll serve the ONE true Master, pleasing Him. Isn’t that what life is all about? As it is written, you can’t serve more than one master. Be careful what you allow to rule your life. Money, fame, entertainment…or Jesus. You choose. Like Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  Joshua 24:15

Lord, give us grace to see things through your good and perfect eyes---and to choose wisely.

February 19 -Treasures in Heaven

Matthew 6: 19-21

Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. Store up treasures in Heaven. Serve one master.

Got a hole in that favorite wool sweater? Or how about the rust in the BBQ---or on the 56 Chevy? What treasures!  They are only treasures if they are actually useful or are worth something to someone else.

What can you “store up in heaven”? What kinds of actions result in “rewards”? The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness (1 Samuel 26:22-24). And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:5-7). The rewards of obedience and wisdom:  “You shall therefore love the LORD your God, and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments (Deuteronomy 11:1-3) and “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments” (Proverbs 3:1-3).

In various verses it talks about rewards and crowns in heaven and specifically lists what will be done for those who overcome (see Revelation 2-3). Some of those include:  right to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Rev. 2:7); given some of the hidden manna, and a white stone, with a new name written on it (Rev. 2:17); authority over the nations (Rev.2:26); clothed in white garments (Rev 3:6); name not blotted out of the Book of Life and his name will be confessed by Jesus before the Father and His angels (Rev. 3:6); dine with Jesus and sit down on His Throne with Him (Rev. 3:20-21); and God will wipe away every tear (Rev. 7:13-17).

Heaven is a wonderful place---as the song says…filled with glory and grace. I do want to see my Savior’s face. I trust that I will see you there in Heaven, too. I hope that we are seated side-by-side at the feast when we dine with Jesus. Imagine feasting at the King’s Table. A dream come true---a promise fulfilled. As it says in Revelation 22 – “Come Lord Jesus”. It will be a glorious day---whether it is the rapture or just stepping over---then we’ll dine with the Lord Himself.

Dear Lord, I eagerly await your return—but while I wait help me to not forget your teachings and to seek your rewards.

February 18 - Fasting

Matthew 6:16-18 

When, not if, you fast, wash your face and don’t act like you are giving up something. As it says in The Message, “Don’t make a production out of it.”  God will reward your efforts.

Fasting is a way of honoring God. No food on the table---but fill that time with spiritual food instead. The Jewish tradition of fasting is done several times a year, mainly for Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, commemorating the day that Moses came down from Mt. Sinai with the second set of the Ten Commandments after God forgave Israel for worshipping the golden calf. Moses asked to be stricken from the “Book you have written,” assumed to be the Book of Life (Exodus 32:32-33). Did you know that Moses was willing to take the sins of his brother Israelites on himself? To be their sacrifice. Thus Moses was asking God to redeem the Israelites with his own sacrifice---like Jesus. See Hebrews 9:15. In Biblical times Yom Kippur was the only day the high priest entered the Holy of Holies. The sacrificial system ended when the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Now the observant Jews fast for 25 hours to atone for their sins, going to synagogue services and abstaining from any work and pleasures.

Fasting doesn’t have to go on for days on end. Give God your time and attention---whether it is for one meal or one day. A fast can be an opportunity for you to dedicate yourself to seeking God—showing Him that you love Him with your whole heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). Give up a meal---or a snack and feast spiritually at His table instead of munching down at your own. Give God the glory.

Dear God,You are worthy of glory and honor and praise.  I praise You!

February 17 - The Lord’s Prayer

Matthew 6:9-15 

Pray, then, in this way: Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive  others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive  others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

This is probably the best known prayer in the Christian world---used frequently as an example since Jesus said to “pray this way.”  Look closely---honor God, let His will be done in your life, i.e. – give your life to Him. We are asking God for daily bread---both physically and spiritually. We are seeking forgiveness and asking that we are protected from the evil one. He is worthy of glory forever. Begin and end your prayers with recognition of God’s power, honor and glory. Then you may ask for what you need (food and protection). Be sure to also confess your sins, then ask for forgiveness for yourself and offer forgiveness for any wrongs that have been against you. Only then will you actually be forgiven for your sins. Without forgiving others, walls of bitterness will be built up.

Don’t build walls---build bridges. Bridges of relationships with God and with others and set the table with forgiveness. Feast with your family and friends, remembering Jesus words in the prayer that He taught His disciples to pray.

February 16 - Prayer

Matthew 6:5-8  

When you pray…not “IF” you pray. Go into your room, close the door, and pour your heart out to the Father. What is prayer, if not pouring your heart out!  Jesus tells us not to babble like the pagens. Get your act together and say what you mean. There are lots of books out there on prayer---but a simple acrostic that I learned a long time ago is a good format to follow. ACTS:  Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. Keep your prayer short and to the point—God already knows what you need---and He will supply it---but do simply ask for it. Jesus also taught, probably just a few minutes later,  to Ask, Seek and Knock. See Matthew 7:7-8.

Babbling. Usually we think of babbling associated with a stream of water…a babbling brook or a babbling baby. A babble is meaningless word sounds. Consider the pagans that worship Baal, in 1 Kings 18:17-46, when Elijah and Ahab met on top of Mount Carmel to beckon their Gods to send a fire to their sacrifice and thus end the drought that Israel was experiencing. The Baal worshipers called on their god first---yelling at him, and cutting themselves, but to no avail. Meaningless word sounds. There was no response. No fire from heaven to burn their sacrifice. Then Elijah had the Israelites pour water on their sacrifice and he prayed to God. The wet wood beneath the sacrifice, as well as the ox, was burnt by the fire that God sent down when Elijah prayed. He didn’t babble, yell or cut himself. Elijah merely prayed to His God, “O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and I have done all these things at Your word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God, and that You have turned their heart back again.”  What a feat!  No feast left, all the sacrifice was consumed by the fire.

So how is your prayer life? When you pray---put meaning to your words. Honor God and keep your words short and sweet. What a great sacrifice to place on the table before our Lord.

Lord, I consider it an honor to know you and been known by You, and to pray.  Forgive me…and set my feet right on Your path again; thank you for your loving kindness and mercy.      

February 15 - Giving Alms

Matthew 6:1-4 

Hear the gold coins jingling and jangling in the rich man’s money bag. Trumpets blowing in the streets and then in the synagogue. The “righteous” man is giving his alms---presenting his gift of money to be used for the poor. He is trying to draw other’s attention to himself, saying “honor me for taking care of those poor, poor people.”  Look at me---I “care” for them. But Jesus says the rich man will have his reward in full---you should give your alms in secret and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.

How do you help take care of the poor, the needy? Do you do it secretly? Beware of practicing your righteous acts before men. That’s hard in our society today to be totally anonymous, but we need to not make a “to do” of giving. Let your light shine, but not your checkbook!  Give above and beyond your excess---and without considering or expecting the “reward” that God the Father will secretly give you. Filling other’s mouths will give you a full heart. As you sit at your table today is your stomach growling? Consider how the truly hungry always feel that emptiness.

Thank you God for the bounty You provide for us. Help us to reach out to those in need, physically and spiritually.

February 14 - Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5:43-48

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.

Like The Message says, “Grow Up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live generously and graciously towards others, the way God lives toward you.”

God’s love is so big---we can try to live like Him. Remember how Jesus was so accepting of everyone---sinners and Pharisees. Sometimes it seems like He was more accepting of the tax collector types than the Pharisees. He expected more of those Pharisees. Do we expect more of our religious leaders than of others?

God wants us to love everyone equally---so take a look at how you treat others. Love your enemies---who are your “enemies”? Pray for those who persecute you---who is actually persecuting you?

Love, Pray, Eat. Eat those spiritual concepts and consider with each interaction you have with others today. Are you are treating them like Jesus would? Could you treat others the way you would treat Jesus Himself?

Lord, on this Valentines’ Day may your love flow through us to those we love and to those we hesitate to show love and acceptance.