Yes or No…No In Between

Again, you have heard that it was said to the men of old, you shall not swear falsely, but you shall perform your oaths to the Lord [as a religious duty]. But I tell you, do not bind yourselves by an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is the throne of God; or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black.  Let your Yes be simply Yes, and your No be simply No; anything more than that comes from the evil one.   Matthew 5:33-37 Amplified 

Yes is Yes and No is No. Well…maybe. No. that is not what Jesus is teaching. Yes or No.

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.  Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.  For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord….James 1:5-7.

No wishy washy answers. Yes or No. Think. Follow Jesus’ teachings. Ask for what you need. Live for today and make the most of it…no giving in to the evil one’s influence. Is what you are struggling with answered by Jesus’ teachings?  Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Think about it. Usually it boils down to those two things…God and neighbors. And who is your neighbor? Anyone and everyone. Some people have a hard time saying “No” to others. They just want to please others, or not to offend them, but they get walked over and used. If that is you…practice saying that important word…NO. Say it again, out loud…NO. One more time “NO.” Now it is in your vocabulary. Practice saying it as needed. You can still be loving and say, “NO.” 

RSVP: Jesus is challenging us to make our Yes be Yes and our No be No. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father,, lead me today to follow Your will and Your way that I would be able to make my “Yes” be “Yes” and my “No” be “No” in a way that is pleasing and obedient to You.

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

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

Divorce?

It has also been said, whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce. But I tell you, whoever dismisses and repudiates and divorces his wife, except on the grounds of unfaithfulness (sexual immorality), causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a woman who has been divorced commits adultery. Matthew 5:31-32 Amplified

Divorce. The divorce rate statistics on the CDC website for 2011 was 36 percent. That is below the fifty percent that we so often hear quoted. That is encouraging. But Jesus is teaching that those divorcing are committing adultery…one of the “thou shalt not…” found in the Ten Commandments. That doesn’t stop people who have irreconcilable differences—unhappy circumstances that just can’t be endured. No “til death do us part” commitment will keep them together. Things haven’t changed from Moses’ time…or from Jesus’ time. We still just can’t seem to get it right. Commitment is important—whether it is to a spouse or the Lord.

 

Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalms 37:5

Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3. 

With the Lord’s help…can people work on their relationship…their commitment to their spouse? God gave instructions early to people to “love”…You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18. Are our spouses our “neighbors?” I think everyone is considered a “neighbor” in Jesus eyes. Love is the key. Love is the answer. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves…. Philippians 2:3. Is that love? Can it prevent divorce? What do you think? 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting people to keep their marriage pure…unadulterated. How will you respond to His invitation in your life? 

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, I need Your help to love others as myself. Let Your love shine through me…that others would see Your love, commitment and plan for all our lives.

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

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

Are You Headed for Gehenna?

You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who so much as looks at a woman with evil desire for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye serves as a trap to ensnare you or is an occasion for you to stumble and sin, pluck it out and throw it away. It is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be cast into hell (Gehenna). And if your right hand serves as a trap to ensnare you or is an occasion for you to stumble and sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better that you lose one of your members than that your entire body should be cast into hell (Gehenna). Matthew 5:27-30 Amplified

Are you headed for Gehenna? For hell? How could that be? It isn’t something that people “plan” on doing—going to hell…any more than they “plan” to commit adultery, or plan to kill, steal or lie. Or do they? Do you? Jesus was teaching His followers there in His Sermon on the Mount, and us now, that the way a person thinks about something is just as if it were that way. We usually think about something before we do it. Jesus used adultery as an example—but it can apply to any of the six human relational Ten Commandments. Those are:

            Honor your father and mother.

            Thou shall not kill.

            Thou shall not commit adultery.

            Thou shall not steal.

            Thou shall not bear false witness (lie).

            Thou shall not covet.
Just thinking those things is the same as to do them. In addition He was teaching that these even go beyond “thinking” in that “killing” could be to ruin someone’s reputation or defame their character, not actually harming their body. So what are we to do? Here are some scripture gems that I’ve treasured…in my heart. May these be guiding words for us all.

…but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:4

…in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things.1 John 3:20

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

My current “favorite” verse of promise and encouragement is one that direct us to think with our head and our heart…before we act.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 

 

RSVP: Jesus is teaching us about behavior that is pleasing to God…and creates good relationships with other people. How will you respond to Him today? Will you dwell on the good, the true and  the beautiful?  

Prayer ~ Jesus, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10  

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

How about some meringue? Light as a cloud—heavenly? A refreshing summer dessert when topped with fresh fruit or ice cream…or both! 

Meringue Shell Clouds  - serves 8-10

Heat oven to 275 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3 egg whites

¼ tsp cream of tartar

¾ cup sugar 

Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a small mixing bowl. It is important for the bowl and the beaters to be totally grease/oil free. Any grease will keep the egg whites from becoming stiff. Add sugar 1 Tbsp at a time and continue beating until stiff and glossy. Do not under beat.  Create individual meringue shell clouds by dropping about 1/3 cup meringue onto the baking sheet, shaping it into circles with a dent in the middle. Bake 1 hour. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues in the oven with the door CLOSED 1 ½ hours. Finish cooling at room temperature. Fill just before serving. Use your imagination for fillings. Ice cream or sorbet with chopped fresh peaches, strawberries, or raspberries,  topped with hot fudge sauce and then slivered almonds. Garnish with some fresh mint.

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

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

 

Think – Make Friends with Accusers

Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way traveling with him, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last fraction of a penny. Matthew 5:25-26 Amplified 

I don’t get the whole idea of putting people in jail until they paid their fine. How does that work since they can’t work and make money if they are in jail? Hmmm…. So best thing is not to get into a mess financially or otherwise…but if you do, then Jesus says to make friends with your accusers. Settle on some terms out of court so that you don’t get thrown into jail. Good advice. Sometimes things happen. Keep your head on straight, use your brain, common sense, and good advice and get yourself out of messy situations as quickly as possible. Then use it as a building block…a life lesson and don’t get into a messy situation again.  Read Proverbs. Here’s an illustration from Chapter 2.

My son, if you will receive my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to skillful and godly Wisdom and inclining and directing your heart and mind to understanding [applying all your powers to the quest for it]; Yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures,  Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God. For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity, that He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints.  Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and fair dealing [in every area and relation]; yes, you will understand every good path. For skillful and godly Wisdom shall enter into your heart, and knowledge shall be pleasant to you.  Discretion shall watch over you, understanding shall keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil and the evil men, from men who speak perverse things and are liars, men who forsake the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness…Proverbs 2:1-13 Amplified

RSVP: Jesus is giving us advice on reconciling with those we’ve financially offended. If this applies, listen up and respond to them and to Him. How will you answer Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, give me wisdom and understanding when dealing with anyone I’ve offended. I praise You for Your gentle ways and for answering my prayers.

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

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

Make Peace With Your Brother

So if when you are offering your gift at the altar you there remember that your brother has any [grievance] against you, leave your gift at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come back and present your gift.  Matthew 5:23-24 Amplified 

So Jesus doesn’t say it is up to your brother…friend or neighbor…to make peace with you. You take the first step and be reconciled—make things right in your relationship—with them. Humbling experience. Put things right with others. It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong—maybe you are both at fault a little. What matters is that you mend the relationship. I’ve always liked that passage that Paul wrote to the followers at Philippi. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves….Philippians 2:3. If we put others’ needs, concerns and welfare before our own (selfish) desires then life just gets a little better somehow. Working things out with someone or at least looking at things with a different perspective casts an inner glow—gives joy—takes away the bitter taste. I just had to have a talk recently with God…to make peace with Him. I feel better for it. No point in being mad at someone…even God. How do you it feel when you make peace with someone?  

RSVP: Jesus is advising you to make peace with someone…to reestablish a good relationship with a brother, friend, neighbor or even God. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Dear God, restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Psalms 51:12. I want peace in my heart and life…and peace within the relationships in my family, my friends, and neighbors, and with You. Thank you, Jesus, for Your love and guidance in my life.

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

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

Do You Have Anger Issues?

You have heard that it was said to the men of old, you shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court. But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice (enmity of heart) against him shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the court; and whoever speaks contemptuously and insultingly to his brother shall be liable to and unable to escape the punishment imposed by the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, you cursed fool! [You empty-headed idiot!] shall be liable to and unable to escape the hell (Gehenna) of fire.  Matthew 5:21-22 Amplified

Anger is a powerful emotion. So strong that it can result in murder…but here Jesus is teaching us that just to continue to be angry with someone or to insult someone is like to murder them…either physically or emotionally. We are supposed to deal with anger…like Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus. Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:25-27.  

I used to get so mad…at mostly my family or just life’s frustrations…and then I’d just explode, giving the excuse that I’m part Irish. But God dealt with me on that and I still get angry…but I deal with it. Talking with friends helps…and writing things down gives me a perspective that is useful to solve my problems and frustrations. How do you deal with anger? What has Jesus done to help you with your life issues…especially anger? 

RSVP: Don’t be a fool…listen to Jesus and respond to His invitation today. His invitation is to deal with the anger that you may have buried in your heart. How will you RSVP to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, shine Your light into my heart and reveal to me any issues that I may need to deal with so that I can have a good relationship with each person in my family, my circle of friends, and within my neighborhood. I want a good relationship with You, too.

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

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

Enter the Kingdom of Heaven

For I tell you, unless your righteousness (your uprightness and your right standing with God) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 Amplified

Jesus was speaking in this scripture passage to a group of people who had followed Him along the Sea of Galilee and up a mountain—where they all sat down and He taught them. He was giving them instruction on the right way to live—not in a legalistic way—but in a way that would please our Heavenly Father and allow them…and us…to have good relationships with others around us. Life is all about relationships. Us to God—God to us—and us with other human beings. Right living—righteousness. 

Going to heaven is the ultimate goal for so many people—even in Jesus day. Is that the Kingdom of Heaven?  The phrase “kingdom of heaven” is only found in the book of Matthew. In Greek this word “heaven” refers to the seat of order of things eternal—or where God dwells. “Kingdom” refers to a territory subject to a ruler or a king. Additionally, the kingdom is of heavenly or divine origin and nature. Jesus used this phrase “kingdom of heaven” or “kingdom of God” to illustrate the perfect order He was about to establish. So since Jesus established this “kingdom,” it is already here. Usually it is something that people look forward to…after an earthly death. In Philippians 3:20we read…For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ….  Hebrews 12:23 tells us…that we are “enrolled” in heaven. Read Hebrews 12 for more heavenly discussion. The last two verses are encouraging…Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29. The kingdom of heaven cannot be shaken. No earthquakes there…no tumbling down of buildings, no wars…or even rumors of wars. Heaven is a wonderful place. The best part of God’s Kingdom is that it begins when we accept Christ as our Savior…we enter into that kingdom right away. We don’t have to wait until we die. God opens His arm and we become His children…in His kingdom immediately. Do you feel those loving arms around you?

RSVP: Jesus’ invitation today is for you to seek a righteous life, not a legalistic response to Laws …but a relationship with Him and with His Father. How will you respond to Him? 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, I seek first a kingdom relationship with You and with our Heavenly Father, to live in a righteous way that is pleasing to You (Matthew 6:33).

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

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

Keeping and Teaching the Commandments

Whoever then breaks or does away with or relaxes one of the least [important] of these commandments and teaches men so shall be called least [important] in the kingdom of heaven, but he who practices them and teaches others to do so shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:19 Amplified  

On the night that He was betrayed and arrested Jesus had a long talk with His disciples. He told them to keep His commandments: If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15.  If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. John 15:10.  He was reminding them of what He had spoken of in His Sermon on the Mount. Keep these commandments and teach them to others. We are admonished to do the same thing as we read these passages. Jesus wasn’t just talking about keeping the Ten Commandments. He was talking about applying them in practical ways. Right after this statement, He goes on to share about “murder” that is just not killing one’s physical body, but “murdering” someone’s character with anger. Take a look at some of the verses in which Jesus discusses other commandments. Are these revolutionary approaches to the strict Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses? Are you “teaching” the commandments to others around you? You may not know that you are “teaching”—it is all in the way you live and speak. Our actions do speak louder than our words. What are you “saying” today to your family, friends and neighbors?  Practice and teach Jesus’ words to your family, friends and neighbors. Then you will be called “great” in Heaven. 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting you today to show your love for Him by keeping His Commandments. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, may my words, thoughts and actions be pleasing to You. Please show me ways that I may simply “teach” Your commandments to my family, whether they are here or far away.

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

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

He Came to Fulfill the Law

Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfill them.  For truly I tell you, until the sky and earth pass away and perish, not one smallest letter nor one little hook [identifying certain Hebrew letters] will pass from the Law until all things [it foreshadows] are accomplished. Matthew 5:17-18 Amplified

Jesus is pointing out that every Hebrew letter and every word in the Old Testament is important—and they will be fulfilled. Some prophesies have happened and some are still going to happen. The Messiah, Jesus, will return again. There will be a new heaven and a new earth (Isaiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1). So every little mark counts…like dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s in English—and that may be very important in some cases or the “t” may look like an “l”.  Jesus birth (Isaiah 7:14 fulfilled in Matthew 1:23-25), death (2 Corinthians 5:21) and resurrection (Romans 1:4, 1 Peter 3:18) were predicted in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. Check it out for yourself. 

RSVP:  Jesus is inviting you to investigate His Word, the Law, and how He fulfilled it. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, reveal Your Son to me and in me that I might share Your love—the knowledge of His sacrifice—with others. It is with a heart of thanksgiving that I come before You, praising You and acknowledging that Your will be done—it will be accomplished, just as You planned.

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

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

Light in a Dingy World

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 

As recorded in John, Jesus spoke to the scribes and Pharisees in the Temple, … saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12. Here He says that His followers, you and me, are the light of the world…and to let our light shine. The “light” is the same word translated from Greek in  these verses.

I think that this light that we have is merely a reflection of His light. In order for us to “shine” we must keep focused on Him, read His word daily, and be obedient…to Him and to the Father. In doing that we will honor, praise and glorify our Heavenly Father. Light shines through the darkness…and light illuminates our path, casting out doubts and fears. Just like He said…if we follow Jesus we will have the Light of life—eternal life. So don’t stumble around in the darkness…seek Jesus and you will find Him. Where should you look? Read the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the New Testament of the Bible. Then reading other New Testament books will be enhanced by an understanding of Jesus and His teachings. Examples of this, related to “light,” are found in Paul’s book to the church at Ephesus. …for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light ... But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. Ephesians 5:8, 13. Are you reflecting Jesus’ light or are you in a shadowy darkness? 

RSVP:  The light shining from Jesus is bright, illuminating, inspiring and inviting. Are you reflecting His light? Does your light shine so that others are drawn to Jesus? How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ God said, "Light shall shine out of darkness…." Jesus You are the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:6. I praise You and Thank You—for You shine brightly in this dingy world—where fear, depression and loneliness pervade life—even of some Christians. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Let your light shine! How about a bright, sassy lemon curd to spread on scones, cake, gingerbread or even on toast?  

Lemon Curd

6 whole eggs, beaten

2 cups granulated sugar

1 stick of butter (½ cup) cut up into tablespoon sections

¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Rind of 2 lemons, finely grated 

Use a double boiler. Mix the eggs, lemon juice, lemon rind and sugar, stirring until slightly thickened. Add the butter and stir over hot water until curd thickens. This will take about 25 minutes—just have patience and listen to some good music while you stir frequently. Immediately transfer to a bowl or individual glass jars (2-4). Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 8 hours. This will keep for weeks in the refrigerator.

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

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

Can Salt Loose Its Flavor? Can We?

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men. Matthew 5:13 

Salt is important…it preserves food, gives food flavor and in the Bible it stands for permanence and incorruption.

Every grain offering of yours, moreover, you shall season with salt, so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.                                                                                                        Leviticus 2:13

All the offerings of the holy gifts, which the sons of Israel offer to the LORD, I have given to you and your sons and your daughters with you, as a perpetual allotment. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the LORD to you and your descendants with you.       Numbers 18:19  

Do you not know that the LORD God of Israel gave the rule over Israel forever to David and his sons by a covenant of salt?                                                                                    2 Chronicles 13:5 

Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.                                                            Mark 9:50 

So if we are the “salt of the earth” how should we give flavor—make life tasty—spread our joy, contentment, and encouragement in Christ with others?

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.                                                                       Colossians 4:6

Jesus was telling the multitude of people listening to Him on that mountain that they needed to keep their flavor, their zeal for life. We are no different today. Do we want to be “trampled underfoot?” 

RSVP:   Jesus is inviting us today to know that we are to be salt—to give flavor, and to keep our enthusiasm for life in Him, not to lose our passion or zeal for life. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, may the words that I speak today offer encouragement and hope in You to others in a flavorful way. Please give me grace to treat others with kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience, peace, joy and love.

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

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

Persecuted Again…or Still?

Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account.  Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 

Revile…insult, despise, or berate. We may not feel that we are persecuted…but Christians in the United States are certainly insulted, despised, condemned or reviled for their ideals, values or holy lifestyle. Some Christians may laugh at the television shows that portray “normal” families with gay lifestyles—but they wouldn’t choose to live that lifestyle themselves. Is the laughter or even watching such a sitcom an indication of acceptance of the gay lifestyle? What would Jesus do? Would He turn His back on the gay folks, or would He invite Himself to their home? Jesus ate with sinners like Matthew the tax collector, and Mary who had been demon possessed.  

People may say false or evil things about you if you let them know that you are a Christian—but Jesus has told us… But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:33. Take your stand. Stand up for Jesus…for your Christian values.  

RSVP:  Jesus is inviting you today to be glad if you are persecuted because of Him and to take a stand for your Christian values and faith. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I will feel happy and blessed if I am persecuted because of You. You alone are worthy of my praise. As Peter said… "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Acts 10:34-35 NIV. Please come along side of me and give me strength to stand secure in my Christian values and beliefs—to do what is right. Likewise help me not to inadvertently persecute or insult anyone else for their Christianity. 

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Persecution

Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Matthew 5:10 Amplified

 

Jesus told a parable about a sower casting seeds…using the soils to describe symbolically the hearts of those hearing about the Kingdom of Heaven. When persecution comes on some people, they respond as Jesus described…. The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away. Matthew 13:20-21. How do you react to persecution? When someone challenges your faith, your beliefs do you turn away? Here in the United States most people never experience real persecution—especially not like those in countries where Christians are executed for their faith. Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 NIV.

 

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35.  

 

RSVP:  Jesus is inviting and challenging you to stand up for your faith, for your belief in Him as the Son of God, as your Savior. How will you respond to Him today?

 

Prayer ~ Jesus, we put on the full armor of God, so that we will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11. Continue to guide and protect me, my family, friends and neighbors that we would live in a way that others know that we belong to You…and even in times of trial or persecution may we live each moment of each day in such a way as to bring You honor and glory.

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

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

Joy for the Peace Makers

Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God! Matthew 5:9 Amplified 

Happy are the people who pursue peace for God esteems them as His own children. They are obedient to the Father’s will…and live in a way that brings calmness to themselves and others. Peace. Shalom. Contentment. Completeness. Harmony. Tranquility. It is a quality of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Can we ever attain true peace? Peace with other nations, with other people, with ourselves? With God’s help, we can. And with that peace comes joy—deeply reverent happiness. True peace—true contentment. Need peace? Ask for it and you will receive it. Pray.

RSVP:  Jesus is inviting you to seek and find His peace—and to make peace with others. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, lead me into paths of righteousness, for Your name sake. May those paths guide me through the shadowy valleys—so that I may not fear death or be overcome by the trials of life—for there are always trials and tribulations. But bring to me, my family, friends, and neighbors peace. A sweet peace that can come only from You.  May You continue to give this sweet peace to friends…Mary W., Teri and Fred, and to others…P,G, and J.

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

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

Purity – A Clean Heart

Blessed (happy, enviably fortunate, and spiritually prosperous—possessing the happiness produced by the experience of God’s favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His grace, regardless of their outward conditions) are the pure in heart, for they shall see God! Matthew 5:8 Amplified 

Pure in heart—clean, sincere, or clear. That’s how we must be before God. He cannot have any sin or impurity in His presence, so we must be washed as white as snow. Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

Can we actually be pure before God? Can mankind be just before God? Can a man be pure before his Maker? Job 4:17. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9. Yes—we can be pure. As Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica…Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. May we be found holy and pure when Christ returns. Keep your account short—be prayed up daily.

RSVP:  Jesus, thank You for offering us purity. Hearts purified by Your sacrifice. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, by the mercies of God, to present my bodies a living and holy sacrifice, may it be acceptable to God, as my spiritual service of worship. Romans 12:1.

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

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

Mercy--Mercy

Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy! Matthew 5:7 Amplified 

Key word for the blessing today is merciful. God Himself is merciful—compassionate and showing kindness. The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. Psalms 145:8. We are advised by Jesus to be like God the Father. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36. People over and over asked Jesus to have mercy on them…several blind men, the Canaanite woman, and the father of the demon possessed young man. Do you ever wish for someone to show you mercy…or has anyone asked you for mercy…for compassion? The merciful man does himself good, but the cruel man does himself harm. Proverbs 11:17. To show mercy and compassion is a good trait—admirable and even virtuous.  

RSVP:  Jesus is offering you mercy today. He has a generous supply—an eternal supply. How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, just as Mary said to Elizabeth…and His mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him. Luke 1:50. May Your mercy be not only upon me, but also on my children and grandchildren—for we have a deep love and respect for You—You are our King, our Savior, our Creator, Comforter, and Friend. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for caring enough for us that in the Your  mercy You gave Your only Son that we could all live with You…one day—forever. I praise You.

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

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

Are You Hungry or Thirsty?

Blessed and fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous (in that state in which the born-again child of God enjoys His favor and salvation) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God), for they shall be completely satisfied! Matthew 5:6 Amplified

 

Seeking righteousness? But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (what we should eat, drink and wear) shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33. Righteousness is right living—seeking to please God by the way you live, think and speak with integrity, virtue, and purity. Time, opportunity and choice. We all have each of those…time, opportunity and choice. We have to make our own choices in life. Do you choose to seek righteousness? The promise in this beatitude is a blessed and spiritually prosperous life for wanting to live right before God.           

RSVP:  Jesus is calling you to live a righteous, holy life before our Father God. How will you respond to Him today? Choose wisely.

Prayer ~ Jesus as I seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, bless those around me…my family, friends, and neighbors…with Your love, shown through me. Give me the courage to do and say the right things.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

More zucchini in the garden…what to do? Too hot to cook? How about a nice salad with zucchini. 

Chicken and Zucchini Salad

¼ cup olive oil

¼ cup lemon juice

Course sea salt

Fresh ground pepper

1½ pounds fresh zucchini, thinly sliced

3/4 pounds cooked roasted or sautéed chicken, thinly sliced

8 oz. fresh spinach, chopped

½ fresh red onion, thinly sliced

1 fresh nectarine or peach, chopped

¾ cup chopped pecans

¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup fresh mint, chopped

Marinate the zucchini for about ½ hour in a mixture of the olive oil and lemon juice, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.  Cut up the chicken and onions, add to the marinated zucchini. Toss with the spinach, top with the fruit, pecans, feta cheese, and chopped mint.  Serve to four people and enjoy.

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

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

Who is Meek?

Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth! John 5:5 Amplified 

Jesus was teaching from Psalm 37:11, But the meek [in the end] shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Amplified. So who are the “meek?” Vine’s Expository Dictionary gives a definition of those who are lowly, or humble. Strong’s Lexicon indicates the Biblical usage of meek to include lowly in spirit or to be brought low by grief or depressed. Depressed people are usually considered patient or long-suffering since they don’t appear to fight back when rejected or abused. Depression is an awful disease. Those suffering depression are the meek that deserve to be blessed with a deep life-joy and satisfaction that only God can give. To be meek is opposite of self-assertive, self-interest, or self-centered. True meekness or gentleness comes from trusting God, His goodness and His control over the situation. Meekness, or gentleness, is the result of the Holy Spirit working in someone’s life. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23. Is God working in your life, producing the fruit of gentleness, or meekness? If so the promise to you is to inherit land…the earth. 

RSVP:  Jesus is asking you today if you are meek and gentle, or are you self-centered and assertive? Which quality do you want in your personality? How will you respond to Him today? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, give peace and mercy to those suffering with depression—as we all battle with it to some degree in our lives. May You bless them and help them to find the joy in their lives that is there…just hidden from their view.

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

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

 

Blessed Mourning

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

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

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

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

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

Let us rejoice and be glad for God cares for us. May our mourning be turned into joy—and our joy be evident even during our mourning. 

RSVP:  Jesus must have had times of mourning—besides what we have recorded at Lazarus’ death when He wept. His heart was probably broken over the loss of family and other friends—but probably more so over complete strangers who rejected Him—and thus rejected our Heavenly Father, too. How would you respond to seeing Jesus mourning over lost souls...over sin…over you?

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

 

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

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

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