April 9 – The Denial

Matthew 26:31-35

You will all fall away. Peter answered...I will never fall away.  Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night before a cock crows, you shall deny Me three times.”

 

Rooster Art - Israel

Have you ever heard a rooster crow? My grandfather worked on a chicken ranch, so going to visit as a kid would mean waking up to lots of roosters crowing and hearing hens clucking all day long. There were brooding pens and lots of cute fuzzy little chicks in the spring that would delight any child. I loved to visit and go to the egg room where they sorted and cleaned the eggs. The smell of fresh egg and the coolness of the refrigerated room was such a treat. Back home on our farm my folks had just a few chickens, including a rooster. He was a mean one that was scary to try to get back into the fenced area if he got loose. I think that when we finally butchered him I was glad to be picking his feathers, but I missed his crowing---waking us up every morning. Peter wasn’t so glad to hear a rooster crow and possibly didn’t like hearing any rooster crow the rest of his life, reminding him of his denial.

How could Peter deny Jesus not just once, but three times? Jesus knew that all the disciples were to leave Him that evening. How lonely to feel that way---rejected and disowned. Each of the disciples themselves would also feel that way before the evening was gone.  It was predicted in Zechariah 13:7, the falling away of the sheep. The disciples didn’t think that they would reject their Master, their teacher, their God, but they did.

Do you ever deny Jesus before others?  Do you keep your mouth shut when you could speak up and speak out about Him? Do you not read a Bible story or devotional to your children because it is just too late or they’ve just misbehaved too much today?

Back in Matthew 10:33 Jesus said, “But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in Heaven.”  Wow. That’s a powerful motivator---I don’t want to be denied to the Heavenly Father. How about you?

Lord Jesus, help me to not only share You with others, but to encourage others not to “fall away” from You during times of stress.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 8 - Resurrection

Matthew 28:1-10

“Do not be afraid…He has risen; He is not here.”

We waited in line for our turn to visit the Empty Tomb. There were some groups singing softly as we waited. Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound. Words rang so true to my heart. I once was lost and now am found. Found in this Garden in Jerusalem (pictured at left). Maybe this was THE tomb…maybe it wasn’t. It is hard to locate a grave from almost two thousand years ago, so the tourists in Israel flock to the presumed site of Jesus burial and resurrection. Our time had come we were next in line to enter the empty tomb. We stepped inside. A sacred hush filled the air, enveloping this holy place. My heart filled with joy recalling the miraculous story of Jesus. He loved me so much that He died for me, took my sins to the grave and now He is risen---overcoming death. 

He was not there---He was risen--just like they said.
That was the message that Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome (Mark 16:1) heard when they brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body.  They were to go and tell His disciples, but they were so afraid that they said nothing to anyone (Mark 16:8). Matthew 28:10 tells us that Jesus Himself appeared to them and said, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they shall see Me.”

 He is risen!  Hallelujah! He is risen indeed! The favorite Easter or Resurrection Sunday greeting! What else is there to say? He had power over death. We can only rejoice and be glad.

Lord, we praise You and rejoice that indeed You have risen from the grave. Hallelujah!

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 7 - Passover

Matthew 26:17-30

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

The Passover meal was initiated by God when the Israelites were about to make their exodus from Egypt. The first Passover as described in Exodus 12:3-10 began with the selection of a perfect year old sheep or goat. It was then sacrificed and the blood was spread on the lintel and doorpost of the home so that the angel of death would “Passover” that home and not kill the first born, as God had ordered for all of the first born humans and animals of Egypt. This was the last of the plagues that were used to convince Pharaoh to let God’s people go. The lamb was to be roasted and eaten quickly with unleavened bread. This is probably the only place in the Bible that people were encouraged to eat quickly. The Hebrew people were commanded to remember this seven day festival to honor God who watched over them that night. Israelites in Jesus time and to this day follow the same instruction given to Moses.

This Passover meal was a very special one for Jesus. It was his last one. He revealed that one of the disciples would betray Him, so that He would be handed over to the authorities and crucified. During the Passover meal He took bread, blessed it, and broke it saying, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then later during the meal He took a cup of wine, gave thanks for it, gave it to the disciples and said, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

That was His last meal. We refer to it as “The Last Supper” and continue to remember Him by taking those elements, bread and juice from the vine, knowing that He sacrificed His life for us. One day we will gather around His banquet table and drink from the fruit of the vine with Him at His First Supper in Heaven, just as He promised.

Lord, thank you for being that Passover lamb for us; for sacrificing yourself for our sins. Help us to never betray you in any way. 

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 6 – Our Hearts as His Temple

Matthew 21:12-13

Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out the money changers. The temple was to be a house of prayer---but it was a den of thieves (predicted in Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11).

Our hearts are to be a temple for Christ. So how is your heart?  Does Jesus need to do a cleansing?  Is your heart a “house of prayer”?  The area where Jesus drove out the money changes was also known as Solomon’s portico. When Jesus was a baby this is where Joseph and Mary likely bought the doves (Luke 2:24 & 39) that were sacrificed when He was dedicated.  The photo shows the model of the Temple in Jerusaem.

Jesus was angry with the money changers and as a human He struck out at those with whom He was upset. By this example we know that Jesus experienced the same emotion of anger that we do. So what should we do with our righteous indignation?  There aren’t “money changers” in our churches---but if we find “thieves” in the temple of our hearts---we need to drive them out. Choose who you will serve--God or idols. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 27:15.

Lord – Cleanse my heart---and make me white as snow. Send the Holy Spirit to dwell new and fresh in the temple of my heart. I praise You for You today—and for the purity You desire in us.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 5 – Hosanna

Matthew 21:1-11

Hosanna to the Son of David!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!  From Psalm 118:21

People waved palm branches—not just as Jesus rode into Jerusalem, but this last Sunday in church. It was Palm Sunday. Often children are asked to parade through the sanctuary and wave palm branches, but this year adults were asked to do the waving, giving honor to the Lord while singing praise songs. Some grownups passed their palms off to children sitting with them, others waved half-heartedly and a few were downright exuberant as they swayed their branch above their heads. How would you have waved your palm branch for the Lord?

Jesus fulfilled prophesy of Zechariah 9:9 when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The Hebrew people were looking for a political savior and king and thought Jesus riding on that donkey was their king. They shouted “Hosanna” meaning “Save”. He was a spiritual savior and king—not the political one they were seeking. This passage is one that we celebrate as Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem the week He was crucified. This begins Holy week.

Are you letting Jesus ride into your life as your spiritual savior today---everyday? Would you spread your coat on the road as His followers did in Jerusalem? For us to have a “spiritual feast” with Jesus we need to acknowledge Him as our Lord and King.

Jesus, I praise you as my Lord and Savior. Hosanna to you.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 4 – First–Last and Last–First

Matthew 19:24-30

Jesus said It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle that for a rich man to get into heaven.


Camels - kneeling and resting in Israel

When I was young I laughed at the thought of that. It would be impossible for a camel to go through the eye of a needle---even a large needle used for tent making. But then I learned that there is a special low gate in an ancient wall around a city that would be opened at night to let late travelers into the city. This gate is called “The eye of the needle”. To enter through such a gate the camel could have to get down on their knees and literally “crawl” through the opening. So that would be hard. Jesus was teaching that it would be equally difficult for a rich person to enter heaven. They would have to humble themselves---become like a poor person---and desire Christ.

The disciples wondered then who can be saved. Jesus answered---“With God all things are possible.”  He continues, “…in the regeneration”, assuring the disciples of their salvation and of their possible position in heaven, “you will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes.”  He assures them that since they have left “all” and followed Him that they will receive a “hundred fold” and inherit eternal life.

“Many who are first will be last and the last, first.”  So what is this all about?  Don’t think of yourself too important in God’s eyes. God will decide who will be “first” and “last”. Maybe that is not so important as just to know that you will be seated in heaven---at that table feasting with the Lord. It doesn’t really matter if you will be near the head of the table, “first” or not. Be assured, you will be there, if you choose to have Jesus in your life!

Lord Jesus, I praise you and I so look forward to feasting with you in Heaven. Help me to humble myself to help the poor, and know you more.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 3 - Good Teacher…Only God is Good

Matthew 19:16-23   

And someone came to Him and said, "(Good)Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?" And He said to him, "Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." Then he said to Him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said, "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER; YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY; YOU SHALL NOT STEAL; YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS; HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER; and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?" Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. And Jesus said to His disciples, "Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. (NASB)

Did this man recognize that Jesus is God?

Keep the commandments. Here Jesus lists the commandments that deal with people relationships:  murder, adultery, theft, false witness, honor, (Exodus 20:12-17) and loving neighbors. He didn’t mention the first four commandments that deal with God (Exodus 20:3-8). The young man claimed to have kept all those. Can anyone really do that? Jesus has already taught that to think evil is to do it---and who hasn’t told a little white lie?  That is false witness. This young man was only fooling himself. Jesus knew that and gave him a task that would be impossible for him. “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor. And you will have treasure in heaven.”  So the “rich” young man sadly left and apparently never came back and “followed” Jesus. It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Treasures on earth are not treasures in heaven. Those treasures will certainly be spiritual food.

Dear Jesus— Show me the treasures I need to store in Heaven. I want to keep your commandments and I look forward to seeing you in Heaven.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 2 - Little Children

Matthew 19:13–14 

Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

 “Jesus loved the little children” – Sing it!

One of my earliest memories is of going to Sunday School and singing Jesus Loves Me. We colored, or rather scribbled, pictures of Jesus and watched the teacher move the flannel graph pictures around as she told stories about Jesus and his parables. What does a four or five year old know about Jesus? Probably more than we realize. My early church years gave me a good background into His character and I learned more facts about Jesus over the years, but I didn’t really feel like I belonged to Him was until I was in college.  

He laid his hands on them. Imagine His big hand on your head right now. Jesus loved the little children and big children. We are so blessed to be adopted children of God (He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself…Ephesians 1:5). Look closely at what Jesus says in this passage of Matthew…”for such is the kingdom of heaven.”  Come to Jesus as a child—believing in Him and loving Him unconditionally. Heaven bound for a bountiful banquet with our King.

Lord, thank you for adopting me into your family and loving me even when I don’t deserve your love.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

April 1 – Divorce and Remarriage

Matthew 19:3-12

“…they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”  “Whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Those are hard words for some people to swallow. Harder still for others to digest. Our society rationalizes divorce so easily. ”…we just aren’t happy together” or …“we have irreconcilable differences.”  What is “happiness?”  Are people truly happier when they are divorced?  The marriage vows are a covenant between two people and between them and God. That commitment is a lifetime commitment; until death do us part. What don’t they understand?  Sure there are tough times in marriage, in any one’s life. My husband and I have “stuck it out” for nearly forty years, as I write this---and we’re still keeping on, keeping on. It doesn’t mean that we haven’t had rough times---we have. We just didn’t give up during the rough times, the bad times. The good times have been very good---like truly feasting, not just nibbling at the Lord’s banquet table. There have been mediocre days that are just part of life, too. Days that might be more like a greasy McDonald’s burger than a feast. The "throw in the towel days" we just worked through somehow, staying committed knowing that we were making choices, and divorce wasn’t a serious option.    

We have to make an effort to create the good times---to create good memories. When was the last time you made an effort to do something kind for your spouse? Have you taken out the trash without being asked…or instead of them doing it?  How about fixing a special meal for them…cleaning their car, or massaging their feet?  If Jesus could wash the disciples’ feet when they’d been out walking on dusty roads---you can certainly wash your spouse’s feet. (smile)  This is not an April Fool’s message. Anyone would be a fool to disregard God’s message on marriage…God’s message on anything!

Lord, help us to be totally committed and truly kind to our spouses and our families.

© 2012 by Mickey M. Hunacek.  All rights reserved.

March 31 - How Many is Seventy Times Seventy?

Matthew 18:21-22

Peter asked, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?  Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”

My brothers were good kids—we fought a lot over little stuff, like who should do the dishes, feed the dogs or take out the trash. But I don’t recall anything over which I wouldn’t have forgiven them. There may have been stuff that they didn’t want to forgive me for…but they haven’t mentioned it to me. They certainly haven’t been keeping track over the years, nor have I. I haven’t felt any sins against my Christian brothers either---now there are a couple of people that I felt I just couldn’t forgive, but it was only a few counts, not quite seven. Although it wasn’t easy, over the years the Lord taught me to forgive those people for their offenses against me.

The rabbis taught that people needed to forgive three times, so Peter was being generous with the “seven” times. Seventy times seven is 490. That’s a lot of forgiveness!  I think I would lose track before I even got to seven---so Jesus was really teaching that forgiveness is endless. You’d think after a few times that the guy would get the picture and not sin against his brother. Look at it from both brothers’ sides---the sinner and the one sinned against. Get it together, guys. Stop sinning---but don’t stop forgiving. Remember also that without that forgiveness bitterness creeps into one’s heart. Bitterness is like swallowing poison expecting it to hurt someone else, and it only hurts you. Bitterness can cause diseases. When I was in high school psychology class I wrote a paper on “Emotions Effects on the Heart” and learned that emotions, including anger, can make the heart vessels constrict, thus increasing the blood pressure. So by getting rid of anger and bitterness, through forgiveness, a person can be healthier. Even professionals at the Mayo Clinic recognize the importance of forgiveness. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/forgiveness/MH00131 

Lord—I forgive…. Help me not to keep track, but to truly forgive with my whole heart. Please also forgive me.

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

March 30 - Childlike Faith

Matthew 18:1-14

“And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.” (v. 5 NASB)

I visited an orphanage in Israel that was unlike any orphanage in the United States. That particular institution had started after the 1967 war when children were literally homeless on the streets. A Jewish rabbi took pity on them and started a home for them where they lived for the rest of their childhood, then they went off to do their required service in the Israeli army. The children were never “adopted” like those in the US—it wasn’t that kind of orphanage. The other children became their “family.” The children at this Jewish orphanage in Israel (pictured below) were happy, attached to their friends and welcoming to visitors.

The disciples question to Jesus was, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?”  Silly question---it is the King. But Jesus doesn’t say that. He says you won’t even get into Heaven unless you become humble like a little child. He encourages them to welcome little children in His name and not to cause them to sin.

So sit at the King’s feet---imagine yourself like a child---and bring your friends. Greet them, receive them into your home or your life like other kids---and have a party. Kids love parties. Make every meal, every time you are together like a party. Jesus loved parties, too. He loved to sit around, or recline around, a table with friends and eat and teach. Be a kid again…or still. And while you are at it, keep yourself humble and holy.

Lord, let’s party! I rejoice in your presence and long to have you join my family, friends and me at a table filled with fun foods---kid foods.

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

March 29 - Transfiguration of “My Beloved Son”

Matthew 17:1-13  

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain with Him and He was transfigured before them. Moses and Elijah appeared before them and spoke with Jesus.

Mt. Hermon

I wasn’t my father’s favorite child. My older sister was his favorite daughter. She was near perfect, easy to get along with, didn’t act up or make a lot of racket when we were away from home, pretty (no ugly acne when she was a teenager), listened attentively, had such good grades that she was Salutatorian of her High School graduating class, and although she married someone none of us cared for, she was still Daddy’s favorite. It has just been in the last couple of years by watching old home movies that I've come to realize how precious she was to him. I’m sure that he would have introduced her as “My Beloved Child” if there had been a chance to do that. They are both deceased now…so we’ll never know.

God was obviously pleased with Jesus to repeat what He had already said, “This is My Beloved Son.”  Remember when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (see Matthew 3:1-17) (February 4 Banquet With The King). The Spirit of God descended as a dove and a voice from Heaven spoke, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  Now God speaks again and says, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.”  LISTEN to Him!  God the Father wants us to Listen to Jesus. Jesus tells us in John 7:16-17 that His teachings are from the one who sent Him, the Heavenly Father. So when we listen to Jesus, we are listening to the Father. Along that same line in John 5:19-47 Jesus explains that He does nothing of Himself---only what He see the Father doing. Maybe that should be a clue to us that our children will do as we do. Are you careful what you do and say?

Lord, help me to be a good example to my children, and grandchildren, and to do and say things that are pleasing to you and nurturing to them.

March 28 - Who Do You Say That Jesus Is?

Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus took the disciples to Caesarea Philippi and asked them, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  They thought John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet. Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus said, “Blessed are you Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. …upon this rock I will build My church and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it….whatever you shall bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

 At the headwaters of the Jordan River, Philip, a tetrarch ruler of Judaea from 4 BC to 34 AD who inherited the northeastern part of his father’s kingdom, built a massive city called Caesarea Philippi. He wanted that city to rival that of Caesarea that his father, Herod the Great, had built along the Mediterranean coast. Philip’s palace which stands in ruins (see the photo to the right) was an architectural marvel. The temple he built nearby was dedicated to Pan, an evil Greek god related to rustic music, nature and fertility. Pan is associated with the root word in pandemonium or panic. These ruins of the city still exist and it is there that we saw a cave that is referred to as “the gates of hell”. The entrance to that cave was actually where the temple was built, so that there was no back wall inside, but the just the opening into a deep cavern. This was fitting for worship of Pan in a natural setting.

Jesus took His disciples away from the Jewish region of Galilee to this Gentile region of Caesarea Philippi, about a day and a half walk from the Sea of Galilee, to teach them without distractions. He wanted to see who could “Hear.” He even spoke to them in Greek (a Gentile tongue)---not in Hebrew or Aramaic. Peter was the only one to “hear” the truth. Jesus is the Son of God!  Jesus gave the keys of heaven to Peter, like gifting him “salvation.” The Gates of Hell will not prevail---evil will not stand in his way. Simon in Hebrew is Shimon, meaning One Who Hears. Simon Peter was the first missionary to the Gentiles and it was here in Caesarea Philippi that Jesus commissioned him.

Visiting Caesarea Philippi was an awesome epiphany moment for me when we went to Israel. I knew that Jesus was the Son of God—but to hear it again in the place it was declared touched my spirit deeply. This was where Jesus told his disciples to reach out to Gentiles. Being a “gentile,” that meant me. If it weren’t for this event, maybe I wouldn’t know Jesus like I do.

Who do you say that Jesus is? 

Που λέτε είναι ο Ιησούς;
Kdo říkal že je Ježíš?

Wer sagt man, dass Jesus ist?

누가 예수님은 말합니까?

人はイエスだ？

Кто вам сказал, является Иисус?

Vous dites, qui qu'est Jésus ?

Hvem sier du er Jesus?

Vem säger ni Jesus är?

你說耶穌是誰？

Care vă spun este Isus?

Siapa yang Anda katakan Yesus?

¿Que dices que Jesús es?

Kim İsa diyorlar?

Ai làm bạn nói Chúa Giêsu?

Który trzeba powiedzieć, że Jezus jest?

Que dius que Jesús és?

מי אתה אומר שישוע הוא? 

If we declare that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of living God, then the Gates of Hell will not prevail against us. We can claim that promise today. Evil will not stand in our way. The Kingdom of God is within you---within us. We should go to Godless places to change their hearts. Evil will not prevent us from doing that. Don’t panic or run—don’t fall victim to terror. God wants you to get revelation in dark places. Be like Shimon---hear the Word of God and respond. Are you listening?

Lord, I’m listening---help me to hear and understand You.

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

March 27 – Beware of Leaven

Matthew 16:5-12

And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread.  And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (vv5-6 NASB)

Do you remember who the Pharisees and Sadducees are? I have to remind myself. Both groups were religious leaders. The Pharisees mainly taught in the synagogues and were know to the common man as hypocrites. Sadducees were aristocratic temple leaders and they were sad, you see, because they did not believe in the resurrection, angels, spirits, or in the oral tradition of the law. The Pharisee did believe in all these, so they were at odds with each other.  

Jesus was questioned by the disciples when they forgot to take along bread. Had they forgotten how Jesus fed five thousand and then four thousand men?  Jesus wasn’t even talking about “bread” but about “leaven” of the Pharisees. The teachings of the Pharisees were as leaven---something that puffs up, but does not give any substance.

Likewise we need to beware of teachings of others that may appear to be teaching about God---but they are distorting the truth, puffing it up. Don’t “chew” on the words or even the thoughts of those who just appear to be telling you truths about God. Seek the truth---as a workman, who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately (“rightly dividing”) the word of truth, 2 Timothy 2:15. Have you checked teachings against scripture lately?

Lord, help us to understand Your words and to apply them to our lives. We don’t want to be puffed up hypocrites or sad for not believing the truths in the Bible.

March 26 – Jesus Feeds Four Thousand

Matthew 15:32 (29-39) 

“And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, "I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way." (NASB)

When was the last time you had nothing to eat? We rarely go without food, except maybe to fast for a day or two. When we go camping we usually take enough food for an extra day, just in case. Last summer we’d been camping for about three days and supplies were getting low, but my husband had caught a mess of fish so there was enough just for the two of us. Then we talked to my brother on our cell phone and he could join us for dinner. Hmm…what to do? We met him at a restaurant about twenty miles away.

Jesus once again went up on a mountain and a crowd of people followed Him. He had compassion and healed the dumb (those who could not speak), the crippled, the lame, and the blind. They praised God for the healings. After three days Jesus was going to send them away, but wanted to feed them first so they wouldn’t faint on the way home. There wasn’t a restaurant nearby. He asked the disciples how many loaves they had, and they told Him there were seven loaves and a few fish. So He gave thanks and the disciples fed the four thousand men, plus women and children. When the people were satisfied, the disciples gathered up seven baskets of leftovers.

Jesus Himself even said, “I feel compassion for the multitude….”  He didn’t want them to suffer from hunger. Wow what a feast He provided!  This time there were only seven baskets of leftovers--- that could provide another great feast!  Bread that may have been three days old fed at least twelve thousand people. When was the last time you ate three day old bread and felt “satisfied”?

Thank you, Jesus, for the food you always provide for us…and for healing people now as you did then.

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

March 25 - Throwing Bread to the Dogs?

Matthew 15:22-28

A Canaanite woman began to cry out, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.”  …Jesus answered, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”  She said, “..even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their master’ table.”  Then Jesus answered her...“O woman, your faith is great; be it done for you as you wish.” (from NASB)

I didn’t grow up with pets in the house. Outside, yes, but not inside and definitely not at the table. Some of my friends and family have pets that are even fed at the table. People food—not just scraps that are left-over. What privileged and precious pets! My Uncle Len would even save the best portions of meat from his dinner at a restaurant just for his little dogs Penny and Timmy. Oh how we all loved those dogs!

This was a Gentile woman and Jesus was explaining that He came to the house of Israel—but because of her faith in Him, He healed her daughter at once…not hours or days later…but right then. His love and compassion were once again mighty!  The children of Israel may have been the ones that Jesus came to help originally, but God had a plan—to feed, help, heal and minister to us all.

Thank you Jesus for caring about us Gentiles---and giving us more than crumbs from your table.

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

March 24 - Heart Thoughts: Defiled or Tasty

 Matthew 15:16-20

“Are you still lacking in understanding also? …But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile man.” (NASB)

Defile—corrupt or to make unclean or impure. Jesus was teaching here that it isn’t what we eat and drink that pollutes us. It is evil thoughts that become rotten words---and those come from the heart. Just as it is important to wash our hands before we eat---to eliminate germs, it is also important to get our hearts clean. And how do we do that?  Confess our sins to God and to one another. Just as Jesus and John the Baptist taught---confess and repent. Turn from our evil ways.

I’m sure that bad words don’t taste good---I know, I’ve tasted them. Ugh!  Pure thought and good words are much tastier. I know---I’ve tasted them, too.

If you lack understanding of this, then ask for wisdom.  In James 1:5 it says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” So ask, and you will receive, wisdom to understand and apply Jesus teachings to your life that what comes out of your heart and mouth would be clean, uncorrupted, pleasing to the Lord, your friends  and family.

Lord, help me to eliminate the germy thoughts and words from my heart and mind today---and feast on some tasty words that bring joy to you, to me, and to those around me.
  

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

March 23 - Walking on Water

Matthew 14:23-33

Jesus was still seeking a quiet place and time to Himself. He sent the disciples on ahead in the boat while He went up the mountain by Himself to pray. So in the middle of the night (fourth watch which is about 3-6 AM) He walked out to the boat. The disciples were frightened until He said, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”   Peter walked out to meet Jesus, but he began to sink when he was afraid of the wind, and he cried out, “Lord save me!”  Jesus reached out and took hold of him, saying, “Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  When they got to the boat, the wind stopped.  

Jesus had such power---over the wind and the water. You may be thinking, “How could He walk on the water?”  We can’t do that!  He was and is God---He can do anything!  Only spiritual “food” involved here---and what an awesome “meal” to understand, is that Jesus truly is the Son of God. The disciples in the boat worshipped Him and declared that He was God’s Son. What a revelation for them. Let that sink into your heart and soul today. Jesus IS God. As creator He can do anything---even walk on the water He created. In this photo of the Sea of Galilee, it was a calm day—but it was windy the day that Jesus walked on the water!

Lord, I am not afraid in a storm because I know You are with me. You have power over the wind and waves, whether on a lake or in my heart.

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

March 22 - More Compassion

Matthew 14:13-22 

When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” There were five loaves of bread and two fish. Jesus blessed the food and five thousand men, plus women and children, were fed. Then He sent the multitude away.

Imagine reading the newspaper headlines the next day: FIVE LOAVES OF BREAD AND TWO FISH FEEDS FIVE THOUSAND MEN. Then the story follows: Five thousand men and their families picnicked on a grassy hillside near the Sea of Galilee. The food, bread and fish, was miraculously provided at suppertime for everyone by the local iterant storyteller and healer, Jesus of Nazareth. It seems that among all those people there were only five loaves of bread and two fish.  How can a supper for two people feed about 15,000 people?  It truly was a miracle, just like the healing of the sick that occurred earlier in the day. This Jesus is a man of compassion.

Jesus tried to find a quiet place to Himself, possibly to mourn the loss of His cousin John the Baptist (Matt 14:1-12), but people followed Him. He had compassion on those people, healing the sick…and then feeding them. Wow---five thousand men---and then add on the women and children. It could have been fifteen thousand people, or more. That’s enough to fill the Seattle Key Arena! Note that He gave Thanks, looking up toward heaven. He knew where the power came from---The Heavenly Father. What a banquet of fish and bread---a great feast with the King!  The disciples gathered up the leftovers and filled twelve baskets. One for each disciple---that showed each of them the power and compassion of the Messiah. Jesus just keeps on giving---and then He sent them away. We should model our compassion after His---keep on giving.

             60 Minute Yeast Rolls

2 pkgs. active 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.

I have a couple of rolls and some fish…please use these Lord to feed Your followers.

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

March 21 - The Kingdom of Heaven is like...

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 

“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

Whenever someone asks me if I “understand,” I always want to respond “Sure---of course”. I don’t want to look stupid or dumb. But in reality I may not have totally processed the information or directions. In a few second, as I rethink it—I do understand. Have you felt like that? I certainly understand wanting to find hidden treasure or purchasing a fine pearl.  

Jesus gave several examples of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like: a mustard seed, leaven, hidden treasure, a pearl, a fishing net. He spoke in parables so that those who were paying attention would understand. He spoke about common everyday items that the people could relate to in a timeless fashion. We can still relate to some of these examples, although few people fish with nets today or even make their own bread.

This fish, below, was the “Peter Fish” meal at the Sea of Galilee in Israel, caught with a typical fishing net as shown in this other photo.

With the fishing net, lots of different fish were caught, just like lots of different people hear Jesus’ message today. The fish were then sorted out, the good ones in one pile and the others in another pile that were thrown away. That is pretty clear, just like the weeds and the wheat at the end of the age. The wicked will go into the fire and righteous into the Master’s keeping. To be the best and put into the Master’s good pile, we have to use our ears, listen closely, and choose to live right. “He who has ears, let him hear.”

Lord, I’m listening to your parables today. I choose to follow you and live in a way that pleases you. Righteous.

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