What About the Other Guy?

Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, "Lord, who is the one who betrays You?" So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, "Lord, and what about this man?" Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!" John 21:20-22  

Jesus was talking to Peter—and Peter was wanting to include others in the discussion. Not Jesus. He was focused on just one person. Isn’t that how it is with us…with our children or grandchildren. We want to focus on one thing, one person…and they’ll try to distract us to get our focus on someone or something else. Stay focused. Paul wrote to the Philippians about being focused. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead….Philippians 3:13 NLT. That seems to be a theme for me lately—God is trying to teach me something. Don’t look back. Focus on what is now…and what is ahead. Don’t look back…don’t regret things that have happened in the past. Press on. Are you dealing with old issues, feelings? Is it something that happened even before you became a Christian?  

RSVP:  Jesus is telling us we need to focus. To focus on Him, on the present and the hope He has given us for the future. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Dear God, I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If they disagree on some point, I believe that You, God, will make it plain to them, as You have to me. Philippians 3:10-15 NLT

Thank you God for caring enough about me to teach me to “press on” and “don’t look back.”

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Follow Me

Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me!" John 21:19  

Peter would glorify God in his death—but he still struggled to glorify God day by day. Love Jesus—love His followers. Feed them spiritually and care for them. Could Peter do that? Not without Jesus’ help and encouragement. Can we? Not without Jesus’ help and encouragement. Just as Jesus was telling Peter—He is telling us the same thing. Follow Me. We can follow Jesus—we just need to do it. We need to take up His cross, our cross, daily just as Jesus told His disciples shortly after He fed the five thousand men. If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23. Deny ourselves. In this “it’s all about me” society, that may be hard for some people to do. To put others’ needs before our own, and to consider others more important. That’s not how people see things. So often our eyes are blinded to the needs of others. We have to really stop and look to even see that there are people with unmet needs very close to us—not unmet “wants” but true unmet needs for food, clothing and shelter. Unmet spiritual needs. Everyone needs the Lord. What can you do to meet those needs today? 

RSVP:  Jesus has opened our eyes to the needs of others and the reality that we need to take up our cross and follow Him—daily. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I choose to take up my cross and follow You. Show me how I can serve You by serving others.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

What is Ahead?

"Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." John 21:18

This parting comment from Jesus is sort of hard to understand. Commentators have indicated that this means that Peter would face martyrdom in his death. You will have to go where you don’t want to go. No one wants to be martyred, but to face death like that for Jesus sake would be an honor for Peter. For any of us. Jesus told us not to look back… "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." Luke 9:62. We need to keep going forward as Paul wrote to the church at Philippi… Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12. Press on. Don’t worry if martyrdom is in our future…live for Christ today for the kingdom of God is at hand—now.  

RSVP:  Jesus is challenging us to keep moving forward—not to look back or to worry about the future. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. Great is the LORD! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Psalms 145:1-5 NLT.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Do You Love Me?

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My lambs." He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep."  John 21:15-17

Do you love ME? Do YOU love Me? Do you LOVE Me?

Yes—Yes—Yes.

Tend My lambs. Shepherd My sheep. Tend My sheep. 

 

Look out for the spiritual well-being of My followers.

Feed My followers.
Keep and feed My followers. 

This “repeated” directive was after Peter denied Jesus. Imagine how he must have felt? He let Jesus down. He didn’t stand up for His friend, His teacher, His God. Jesus tells us…But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:33. Do you want to hear Jesus say to His Father, “I never knew him/her” or are you hoping for that “well done good and faithful servant” phrase? I think Jesus was telling Peter that He forgave him for denying Him, and that He wanted to be sure that Peter knew he had a big responsibility ahead of him—to care for and direct Jesus’ followers. Through his obedience, determination and boldness we have a great example in Peter. Do you see any of his Christian characteristics in yourself?  

RSVP:  Like Peter, Jesus is asking us if we love Him and is calling us to tend and feed His sheep. How will you show your love…Jesus’ love today? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, as our shepherd leads us, help us to obediently follow Your way. May we always love one another.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Serving His Disciples Breakfast

Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.  John 21:13-14

Breakfast was served…literally by Jesus. Bread and fish. The disciples knew it was Jesus. This was the third time that they had seen Him after His resurrection.  He was alive. Did they think that He would stay with them forever?  What a wonderful thought …to have Jesus there encouraging them personally and fixing breakfast occasionally. How sweet it would be! But we know that He didn’t stick around forever there in Israel. His Father had called Him home—but He got to spend some time with His friends before He had to go away. Spend some time…advising them where to fish…and fixing them breakfast. Yes. This started out to be a terrific day for the disciples. What does it take to make a day terrific for you?

RSVP:  Jesus served bread and fish to His disciple fishermen friends. He may fix the same meal for you one day in Heaven. For now Jesus is offering you spiritual food in His Word. Will you partake of it today? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, You made Peter, Andrew, James and John become fishers of men—drawing in people to believe in You. Help me to follow in Your footsteps and in Your disciples’ footsteps and bring others to You—to know You as Lord, Savior, Provider, Creator, Redeemer, and Friend. Son of God and  Son of Man.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

 

Breakfast is Served

Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples ventured to question Him, "Who are You?" knowing that it was the Lord. John 21:12

The disciples are called to have breakfast with Jesus on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after a hard night of fishing with no catch. But with the morning light and Jesus suggestion, they had a fresh catch encouraging their hearts. Their stomachs were growling—ready for a big breakfast. Jesus had cooked some fish and prepared bread. Come and eat. They didn’t need to be asked a second time. You can practically see them running to Jesus and the food that He had prepared. Smell the fish cooked over the open fire. Come and eat. Do you have to be asked a second time to “Come and have breakfast?”

RSVP:  Jesus is calling you to join Him for a meal—to share in the bounty that He provides. Will you give Him thanks today and join Him at a table for a meal? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, I hear You calling and inviting me to come to Your table—to feast with You. The spiritual food that You provide is a lifetime of reading and understanding Your Word. It is new every day. The bounty of the food for our physical bodies is overwhelming—such variety and everything is so tasty. Thank You for Your creativity in designing marvelous plants that give us such delightful foods during this late summer harvest. I am so enjoying the melons, cucumbers and tomatoes.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

 

More Fish

Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have now caught." Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. John 21:10-11  

Obedience. Jesus told Peter to bring some more fish—so Peter did. They were going to have quite a fish feed for breakfast. The thing to note is not the amount of fish to be served, but the obedience in Peter, hearing Jesus’ request and his immediate obedience. He didn’t respond like a child who may take their sweet time about responding to any adult’s request. He went right to the net, probably chose a couple of fish and started right to work cleaning them without being told what to do. Fishermen know about cleaning fish. It must be done before they are cooked and eaten. My motto on fishing is…you catch ‘em—you clean ‘em—you cook ‘em—you eat ‘em. Catch and release is a good way to enjoy fishing. No cleaning or eating involved. Some people don’t like to clean them and others just don’t enjoy the flavor of fish. I like fish—except ones that are too bony. How about you?  Do you like fish? Are you as obedient as Peter was there at his fishing boat?  

RSVP:  Peter was obedient this time when he heard Jesus request. How will you respond to Jesus’ request on your life and time today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, thank you for creating fish for us to eat and enjoy. They are a marvelous food source for those who like them. Help us to be obedient to Your calling and requests today. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Occasionally there will be something that will spoil in my refrigerator. It is likely something that I forgot about—or just that I bought too much stuff at the grocery store and couldn’t use it all before it spoiled. Recently it was a couple of cucumbers that I had forgotten about and they ended up all slimy. Planning menus is such a good thing to do—then only buying what is needed and will be used. Of course, at this time of the year—with the garden producing lots of tomatoes, lettuce and zucchini it is a little harder to plan menus very far in advance. I guess green tomatoes are supposed to be good for us since they are high in vitamins A, C, and K. So if they aren’t ripe—use them anyway!

 

Green Tomato Salsa

Several green tomatoes, finely chopped

½ of a large sweet onion, finely chopped

1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped

¼- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1-2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice (optional) 

Chop everything and stir together. Use a couple of jalapeno peppers if you like it hot. Hotter yet? Leave in the seeds. Add lime juice if you like. Enjoy with some fresh tortilla chips or just rolled into warm, freshly made flour tortillas. We like to stop by one of the local tortilla makers for some fresh tortillas on days when we make salsa. It makes it extra special. 

There are lots of recipes for canning salsa—so look on line if you are a canner and want to store up some salsa for the winter.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

 

Breakfast is Ready

So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. John 21:9  

Jesus fixed those fishermen breakfast—grilled fish and toast. Sounds good! A lakeside feast with the Savior—what could be better? Perhaps only a heavenly feast—that banquet that we’ll all attend one day when Jesus calls us home. Right then that breakfast probably looked really good—and smell wonderful. They were hungry after fishing all night. So what did you have for breakfast this morning?  I’m a breakfast eater—I love breakfast, although I may be awake for a couple of hours before I eat. Today I started with a fresh squeezed lemon juice and cayenne pepper drink. Then I had a slice of zucchini – carrot bread, almonds, some fresh sliced honeydew melon and Greek yogurt. I ate outside on the deck—it was wonderful. No breeze off the Sea of Galilee like those disciples likely had with Jesus—but it was a very pleasant way to start my day.  

Spiritually, what did you have for “breakfast?” My son, Mike, told me once that he doesn’t feed his body without feeding his spirit first. Wow—what did I ever do to get such a wise son?  So—I “fed” on Psalm 139 today and am in awe of God that He cares so much for each of us. There is no where we can go that He isn’t already there…and He cares about us to have created us with such intricate bodies. He is awesome and worthy of our praise. Consider His works and His ways today. 

RSVP:  Jesus was there providing a great breakfast for His fishermen disciples. He is with us…and providing for us, too. How will you respond to Him today for all that He does for you? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. ... How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalms 139:14, 17.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

 

A Net Full

But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish. John 21:8  

The net was so full of fish that they couldn’t pull it into the boat! That was a lot of fish. That’s how it is—Jesus provided an abundance of fish. That wasn’t the first time. Consider again what happened when He first called those fishermen to become His disciples. Their nets were empty and then they cast them out again…and they were so full that they were breaking. So here again—the nets were empty and then full. Jesus provided. He will do the same for any of us…just ask and then respond in obedience. Don’t expect your net to be full without casting it again, just as Jesus told His disciples and they obeyed. What is it that you need? Ask and you’ll receive, if it is something that you “need” and not just “want.” Two of my favorite verses about prayer are:

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

…You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:2-3

So…ask and trust that God will provide for you…a full measure—overflowing. 

RSVP: Jesus is offering you an abundance of whatever you need. How will you respond to Him today?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, Thank You that You were so generous to Your disciples…and that You are willing to bless us as well. I praise You for You are worthy of praise and adoration.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Jump Into the Water

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. John 21:7

Peter jumped right into the water. If he was on land he would have just run to Jesus, but he knew he couldn’t walk or run on water, so he jumped in. About a year earlier Peter tried to walk on water once when he saw Jesus walking on the water. And He (Jesus) said, "Come!" And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:29. But Peter didn’t get far before he began to sink. Do you ever have that sinking feeling when you start to trust the Lord…and then realize that this is big—maybe bigger than you can deal with right now. When Peter tried to walk on the water, he started to sink. When he jumped in the water he swam to Jesus. I think I’ll try to swim and not walk on the water. I know I can trust Jesus to reach out to me, like He did when Peter was sinking. It was Jesus that Peter swam towards—and I’ll do the same now. Swim or run to the Jesus that I know. He’s right here waiting for me. And for you, too. 

RSVP:  Can you see Jesus waiting for you?  Matter how big or small the situation you are facing, will you trust Him to help you today?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, just as You were there on the shore for Peter, I see You here by me—always willing to help, provide and encourage me, my family and my friends. Thank you that You have called us to “Come!” and assured us that You will never leave us or forsake us.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

No Fish

So Jesus said to them, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?" They answered Him, "No." And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch." So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish. John 21:5-6  

No fish. The disciples worked all night and had nothing to show for it…no fish. Jesus gave them a simple suggestion. Cast your net on the right-hand side of the boat. They did as they were told and caught more fish than they could haul into their little boat. This wasn’t the first time that they had fished all night and not caught anything. Remember back when Jesus first called Simon, James and John to be His disciples, they had been fishing and didn’t catch anything.

He (Jesus) said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered and said, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets." When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. ... When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him. Luke 5:4-7, 11.

Obedience. That is what Simon Peter demonstrated both times—casting his fishing net again. Trusting the Lord and doing as He said. Trust and obey. Good example for us. When we’re caught short—financially, physically, or spiritually, maybe we need to cast our fishing line onto the other side of our boat or at least cast all our cares upon Him…. casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. Pray about alternatives, trusting that the Lord will provide for you just as He did for Peter and the other fishermen disciples. 

RSVP:  Jesus is offering you an alternative to anxiety and emptiness today. Cast your cares on Him. Will you trust Him and respond to His offer? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I give You my anxiety, worries, emptiness, as well as situations by which I am just overwhelmed. Thank You that You care about me and even the smallest details in my life and in my friends and families lives. I trust that You will provide for us just like You did in the miraculous way You filled the fishing nets for Peter and the other disciples.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Jesus is Watching and Waiting

But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. John 21:4 

The disciples didn’t know it was Jesus. Maybe the light was not bright enough for them to see that it was Jesus, or maybe they were too far out on the Sea of Galilee.  Do we sometimes not see Jesus for who He is? Do we not recognize Him when He comes to us? Look around you and see how Jesus is coming to you—to encourage you, to provide for you, to…never leave you or forsake you, just as He promised. 

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Just as Jesus stood on the beach waiting for and watching His disciples, He waits and watches for us. 

RSVP:  Jesus has promised to never leave us or forsake us…to be with us forever. Have you promised Jesus that you will never leave Him or forsake Him? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I trust You to provide for me, to encourage me, to never leave me or forsake me…and to reach out to others through me. I promise You that I will never leave You or forsake You…forever.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Have You Been Fishing?

Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will also come with you." They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. John 21:2-3 

The fishermen that Jesus recruited at the beginning of His ministry were Simon Peter, his brother Andrew, the sons of Zebedee, James and John. Now we have seven disciples, three of whom were the original fishermen, going fishing. Did Thomas, Nathanael and the two unnamed disciples know how to fish? Probably. Fishing was a common practice—lots of people fished then…and now. Simon Peter decided to go back to fishing and his friends came along. It must have been a good sized boat to hold the seven men while they were casting their nets to catch fish. But they caught nothing. Nada. Not one fish. How disappointing. How often have you gone fishing and not caught anything? 

RSVP:  Jesus saw Simon Peter and the disciples going back to their old profession—fishing. They didn’t catch anything. He’s asking what you’ve caught for Him lately. How will you respond to Him today?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, help me, my family and friends to catch something for You—to catch someone—as fishers of men.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

He Appeared Again

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

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

How like those disciples—the fishermen—are we—you and me? Do we go back to our old ways when we don’t have any specific guidance from our teacher? Look—is Jesus there on the shore watching you as you cast your net? 

RSVP:  Jesus is watching you and waiting for you to do His work—not go back to your old ways. How will you respond to Him today? 

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

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Watch for salmon to go on sale…and smoke some for a delicious treat.

Brine for Smoked Salmon

1 gallon water

1 cup kosher salt

½ cup maple syrup

1 cup brown sugar

lemon pepper to taste

freshly ground black pepper to taste

½ cup chopped parsley

4 bay leaves

1 (3 ounce) package dry crab and shrimp seasoning mix

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 large sweet onion, finely chopped

4 lemons, sliced and crushed

2 oranges, sliced and crushed

1 lime, sliced and crushed

1 dash hot pepper sauce (optional)

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Pour the water into a large bowl, small bucket or non-aluminum pot. Stir in the kosher salt, maple syrup, brown sugar, ground and lemon pepper, parsley, bay leaves, seasoning mix and add the rest of the ingredients. 

Soak your salmon fillets from one large salmon in this brine in the refrigerator for 12 to 36 hours.  

Smoke salmon: Pat fillets dry with paper towels; do not rinse. Place on smoking rack skin-side down. Place a fan on high for a couple of hours to seal the fish. Add your favorite wood to the smoker. Smoke at 180 degrees F (82 degrees C) for 5 to 6 hours. Enjoy!

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

 

Eternal Life Now

Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:30-31  

Believe. Have Life…Eternal Life. Today would have been my sister’s birthday—but she has gone ahead of us to Heaven. All of us who believe have eternal life…and hers just happens to already be happening in that place we think of as eternity…heaven. For the rest of us still here on earth…our eternal life began the moment we first believed in Jesus. We don’t have to wait until we die. That is a concept that I’ve found that some people have trouble grasping. They are waiting for eternal life someday.

If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:9-13

He doesn’t say that we “will someday” have eternal life—He says that we have it. That is to say that we have it NOW. I claim this promise. How about you?  

RSVP:  God the Father is telling you that you have eternal life…if you believe that Jesus is His Son.

How will you respond to Him today? If you already can claim this promise of eternal life, will you share it with others? 

Prayer ~ Dear Heavenly Father…this is eternal life, that we may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3. Help me to share this promise with others…for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23. I believe that Jesus is Your Son and I claim the promise of eternal life.

Happy Birthday to my sweet sister, Shirley.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Is Seeing Believing?

Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."  John 20:29 

Do you see first and then believe…or believe first and then see? Seeing is sometimes with the heart, not the eyes and the mind. Peter writes about “seeing” and “believing in” Jesus. …and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory….1 Peter 1:8. Just knowing Jesus creates joy in our lives. Knowing what He gave up…and that He did it for me—for us—is humbling…and yet creates a rejoicing deep in my heart. I want to worship Him—in spirit and in truth—even though I can’t see Him right now.

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together. Psalms 34:3. 

RSVP: Jesus is offering you a blessing…if you believe in Him without seeing Him. Will you see Him for who He is and exalt His name with me?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, Blessed are You. O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! Psalms 68:35. May You have mercy on Your people of Israel—keeping them safe from harm as they live with trials and tribulations of battles now in the land You have given them. May they “see” You for who You are…Messiah…and believe.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Are You Like Doubting Thomas?

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe." After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" John 20:24-28 

Thomas had to see to believe. Do you? We’re about 2,000 years too late to actually “see” Jesus after His resurrection, place our hand in His side and touch the scar of His nailed hands or wrist. But we can still see and believe because we have the written word in scripture. I trust that it is true—it is only by faith in the Word that we can “see” and believe. Faith is a personal thing. No one except God can really give it to you. Other people can “share” their faith and tell you about what they believe, and thus maybe what you should or shouldn’t believe. But when it comes right down to it, it is your own decision. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1. Believe in Jesus as the Son of God, as God, or don’t believe. Everyone has the choice. 

RSVP: Jesus has given us free will to decide what we believe. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, just as the father of the demon possessed son asked You…"I do believe; help my unbelief." Mark 9:24. Help my unbelief…and help me to help others “see” You for who You are. 

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Peace Be With You

So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained." John 20:19-23 

Peace and forgiveness. Peace is such a sweet feeling. No turmoil—just a restful calmness. Peace to you—may God grant you His sweet peace today—waves of sweet peace overflowing, flooding your heart and life. Forgiveness. 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. Matthew 6:14-15. Was Jesus giving His disciples the power to forgive or retain sins? Everyone has the power to forgive. Forgiveness is divine…an act of humbling oneself and extending a heartfelt pardon of someone’s offense. Which is better? To be forgiven or to forgive?  

RSVP: Jesus is offering you His peace today. How will you respond to His offer? 

Prayer ~ 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. Matthew 6:9-13

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

I Have Seen the Lord

Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and that He had said these things to her. John 20:18  

I have seen the Lord! What an amazing statement—and imagine the expression on her face as she made this announcement to His disciples, her close friends. She was undoubtedly glowing—like Moses, her face was radiant with the reflection of the glory of the Lord. Scripture doesn’t tell us that—I’ve just imagined that Mary Magdalene’s joy was shining forth as she shared the news that Jesus was alive. Jesus was alive. Resurrected. What does that mean to you? Here at the end of July we don’t often think of Resurrection day—that was in March or April. But we celebrate Jesus resurrection everyday—or should—as we worship Him. He is God. What other god has been “resurrected” from the dead? There are mythological stories of death and resurrected gods, but it seems that Jesus is the only true God that died and lived again. Search that information out for yourself if you still need to be convinced. 

RSVP: Jesus is challenging you today to see Him as the Resurrection and the Life. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, You claimed, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies…" in John 11:25. I believe in You. I praise You and honor You today. Like Mary Magdalene, I see with all of my heart, soul and mind that You are the risen Lord—You are Lord of my life.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Rabboni

Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away." Jesus said to her, "Mary!" She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!" (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, "Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.'" John 20:15-17

Mary Magdalene spoke to Jesus and He spoke to her, but she didn’t recognize who He was until He called her by name, “Mary.” When someone special speaks to you—some dear to your heart—do you know who it is who is speaking to you? You do, especially if you see their face. We recognize people by their visual features as much as by their voice. Mary didn’t recognize Jesus by His visual features. Isaiah wrote about Jesus on the cross. He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Isaiah 53:3.  Jesus didn’t appear to have the same facial features after He was crucified. Before He was likely very dynamic—afterwards He still bore the marks of His beatings and crucifixion. Beaten unrecognizable. Listen closely to the voices of your friends and family. Keep the sound of their voice in your heart and mind so that if ever you can’t see them, you’ll still know them. Be wise listen to Jesus’ voice…the voice of the Holy Spirit calling to each of us.   

RSVP: Jesus is calling your name today. Do you hear Him? How will you respond to His call? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I do not want to be one who despised You.  You are my Lord, my Savior, my Teacher—Rabboni. I am honored to call Your Father, my Father, and Your God my God.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.