Israel—Hope in the Lord

O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption. Psalm 130:7  

Hope. There is a song that we used to sing frequently on Sunday morning that is about HOPE.

            My life is in You, Lord.

            My strength is in You, Lord.

            My hope is in You, Lord.

            In You, it’s in You.

We can have hope in the Lord. He gives us comfort, strength, protection, all that we need…or even ask for—with an outpouring of His gracious love. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness—from another song.  

I’m attending a Women’s Retreat at our church with a theme of A Gathering of Hope. One of the speakers emphasized that hope is waiting for what we know will happen. We know that Christ will return for His followers…and that we will be with Him eternally in Heaven. That is hope. But we can have hope today…as well as tomorrow and a thousand years from now. Likewise, Israel can have hope now, as well as in the future, for the Lord is with them…and He can save them—redeem them from sin and from their enemies. The psalmist here—maybe it was David, but that is not specified—encourages Israel to trust God and to have hope. Like Israel, do you have hope—hope in the Lord? 

Prayer ~ God—my hope is in You. Help me to share this hope that You have given me. Bless Israel with an abundance of Your hope…for each individual and for the nation.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Spirit of Grace

I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. Zechariah 12:10  

A sweet spirit of grace. Unmerited favor with God. What more could anyone ask for…for we are undeserving and should expect nothing…but God showers us with His grace. Here in this passage the Holy Spirit…as the Spirit of Grace and Supplication will be poured out on Jerusalem. It seems that this will be when Christ returns. That will be a great day for Christians and Jews alike—for redemption and for salvation. The Jews will be mourning. Will it be because they didn’t recognize Christ as their Messiah the first time He came? Now the Spirit will be poured out on them and they will recognize Christ as their Messiah—which I can only image will turn their mourning into joy! But read on in the book of Zechariah…there is not much joy and happiness. The Lord does go to battle for them. The Jews are His chosen people. No wonder God pours out His Spirit of Grace on Jerusalem. Blessing on them. Remember that the Lord will bless those who bless the Jews and curse those who curse the Jews. Where does your heart lead you as you consider the Jewish nation? 

Prayer ~ Lord God, I lift up to You the Jewish people and ask that You would bless them…draw them to You and provide safety, security and sustenance today and in the days ahead. Guard their comings and goings that they would see You at work in each of their lives…as well as in their nation.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

The Spirit of the Lord on Me

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of our God's vengeance; to comfort all who mourn…. Isaiah 61:1-2 HCSB

The Spirit of the Lord was on the Lord Jesus Christ! At the synagogue in Nazareth, He read this text from Isaiah 61, as recorded in Luke 4, shortly after He began His ministry. He stopped reading after… to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, since that was what He came to do…the vengeance part comes later with His second coming.  Jesus was so focused and obedient. He did just what the Father told Him to do.... So Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on My own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are peasing to Him."  John 8:28-29. Jesus spoke whatever the Father told Him to do…and did what was pleasing to His Father. Do we do that?   

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, anoint us with Your Holy Spirit as Jesus was anointed. May all that we think, say and do be pleasing to You and proclaim Your gospel to everyone around us.

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

It is asparagus time of the year again. The price of asparagus is reasonable—you may even find a great sale for a case of it. It freezes very well—and is tasty roasted, baked, steamed, pickled or in soup. Try some soon. 

Asparagus Soup                                               Serves: 8 to 12 servings

3 pounds fresh asparagus, rinsed

8 cups chicken stock

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup minced shallots

1 cup minced leeks, whites only, well rinsed

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, garnish 

Trim the attractive top tips from the asparagus, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in length. Cut the woody stem ends from each spear and reserve. Cut the remaining tender stalks into 1/2-inch pieces. 

In a medium pot, bring the stock to a boil. Add the tough woody stems, lower the heat and simmer to infuse with asparagus flavor, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and discard, reserving the stock. Add the decorative tips to the stock and blanch until tender, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Remove with a strainer and refresh in an ice water bath. Drain on paper towels and reserve for the garnish. Set the stock aside. 

In a medium stockpot, melt the butter over medium-high heat, then add the shallots and leeks and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped asparagus stalks, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the stock and simmer until the asparagus are very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat.  

With a hand-immersion blender or in batches in a food processor, puree the soup until smooth. Adjust the seasoning, to taste. If serving right away, return to medium heat and add the cream and reserved asparagus tips. Cook, stirring, until the soup is warmed through, about 3 minutes. Alternatively, if serving the soup later, do not add the cream and let cool at room temperature (or in an ice water bath). Cover and refrigerate. Before serving, add the cream and asparagus tips, and warm the soup gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. 

To serve, place the soup in a soup tureen and sprinkle with cheese. Ladle into bowls or cups and serve.

Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse, 2003

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Justice in Judgment

In that day the LORD of hosts will become a beautiful crown and a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people; a spirit of justice for him who sits in judgment, a strength to those who repel the onslaught at the gate. Isaiah 28:5-6 

In that day—the day of Messiah—in the fullness of the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Justice will be in judgment of all God’s creation—everyone. From other scripture passages in Isaiah I think that this fullness of the Holy Spirit hasn’t happened yet. The Judgment will be with absolute integrity—a judging with righteousness. The final verdict is to be proclaimed by Jesus, who was given authority by God the Father, with and through the Holy Spirit. All in one…and one for all. That Spirit of Justice will be with an eternal righteousness for the God-fearing believers and resulting in doom for the evil doers. Where will you stand? 

Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off. ... I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters, so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. And so all Israel will be saved. As the Scriptures say, "The one who rescues will come from Jerusalem, and he will turn Israel away from ungodliness. And this is my covenant with them, that I will take away their sins." Romans 11:22, 25-27 NLT. God loves His chosen people…Jews and Gentiles those who love Him.  Again, where do you stand with the Lord? 

Prayer ~ Righteous and Holy God, give us eyes to see people as You see them. Give us open ears to hear…as You hear. Give us willing hands and feet to go and serve You…and may our thoughts, words and actions bring You glory, now and in the final judgment.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Spirit of Judgment Cleans Up Jerusalem

On that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of Israel's survivors. Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are destined to live—when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodguilt from the heart of Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of burning. Isaiah 4:2-4 HCSB

On that day! The time that the Messiah will reign—that righteous branch. What a day it will be in the millennial kingdom! The Holy Spirit as the spirit of judgment and burning will cleanse the land and particularly the city of Jerusalem of the wickedness.  It will truly be a holy city. One set apart—purified by God Himself. Holy—and likely glistening in the sunlight. Oh, that will be a sight to see. And the people there will be holy—that would mean they will be tender hearted, pure, overflowing with love and kindness. That will also be a sight to see—and experience. Like Heaven on earth. Where will you be when Jesus comes into His glory in the millennial kingdom? Heaven or earth? The choice is yours. To believe in Jesus as Savior, Lord, and the Son of God…God Himself, means that you’ll be in Heaven. Have you made a choice? 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—Oh Spirit of Judgment and Burning—reveal Yourself to those in Israel who are seeking to know You. Help them to find their own personal savior—as well as the savior of their nation for whom they have been searching for more than two thousand years. May they see Jesus for who He is…Son of God, Lord God, and Savior who came to the Jews first…and then for all mankind. He is the Branch of the Lord who is beautiful and glorious before us all.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Remnant of the Spirit Helps Faithful Spouses

Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God? Then why do we betray each other, violating the covenant of our ancestors? Judah has been unfaithful, and a detestable thing has been done in Israel and in Jerusalem. The men of Judah have defiled the LORD's beloved sanctuary by marrying women who worship idols. May the LORD cut off from the nation of Israel every last man who has done this and yet brings an offering to the LORD of Heaven's Armies. Here is another thing you do. You cover the LORD's altar with tears, weeping and groaning because he pays no attention to your offerings and doesn't accept them with pleasure. You cry out, "Why doesn't the LORD accept my worship?" I'll tell you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows. Didn't the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. Malachi 2:10-15 NLT

Lots of questions. Malachi asked numerous questions as he rebuked the people for neglecting their true worship of the Lord. In this series of questions and answers Malachi deals with the spiritually mixed marriages. Some of the people had a remnant of the Holy Spirit.  But not one has done so who has a remnant of the Spirit. Malachi 2:15 NASB. Does that mean that there was a little leftover bit of the Holy Spirit in them…or just a trace? Apparently those who had the Spirit were kinder to their wives since not one of them that had the Spirit dealt treacherously or were unfaithful to their wives. That says a lot for the positive influence Holy Spirit in a society where people married idol worshippers which offended God, who had commanded His people not to worship idols. So those who were loyal to their wives were loyal to God. Do you guard your heart, thoughts and mind and treat your spouse with respect and honor?    

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, remain in our hearts. May we honor you by guarding our thoughts and actions we as treat our spouses with honor and respect.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Who has Believed?

Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave. But it was the LORD's good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. Isaiah 53:1-12 NLT 

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit from the time that He was baptized—maybe earlier—maybe all His life. Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." Luke 3:21-22. The Holy Spirit led Him into the desert and then beyond…And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district. Luke 4:14. Jesus gave it His all…all through His ministry. He was obedient—while we were sinful. He was despised by most of the Jewish leaders—while we generally follow our own path and do everything we can to be accepted by everyone around us. Some people today even reject Jesus—just like the Pharisees. Do they realize that Jesus died for their sin? He died for everyone’s sin—the near perfect and the disobedient rebels. Where do you stand with Jesus? Do you believe the message?                                                                

Prayer ~ Jesus and Holy Spirit…open my eyes to see You both as You are…and my You count me among Your righteous followers—not a rebel. Thank you for taking my sin to the cross and for interceding for me with the Heavenly Father.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

God’s Plan for Mankind

After Adam and Eve ate of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, the woman blamed the serpent for enticing her to eat the fruit. Then the LORD God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life.  I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.  Genesis 3:14-15 HCSB 

He is risen—He is risen indeed! Crucified, died, buried and risen.

When Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God—mankind was doomed. God initially sacrificed an animal to make coverings for Adam and Eve’s nakedness—one of the results of their disobedience. Sin and the holiness of God cannot coexist. So God had a plan that involved the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. The devil, in the form of the serpent, would strike Jesus’ heel. That happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross. Nails went through His feet. Imagine the pain and agony of not only those nails—but the nails through His wrists or hands. Then there was the crown of thorns thrust onto His head…and the beatings He endured. Crucifixion is a painful, agonizing death. He suffered that for us…for our sins. He was sinless, yet He took on our sins so that we wouldn’t have to suffer. If we sincerely repent, ask for forgiveness for our sins—and accept that Jesus Christ is God—our Savior, then our sins are forgiven. With sins forgiven, we become children of the Living God—and will be ensured a place in Heaven. Seems pretty simple, yet not everyone feels compelled to repent—so we won’t be seeing them in Heaven. Will you be there? Christ is risen from the dead. He is seated at the right hand of God the Father in Heaven—where He will judge everyone one day. Where will you be? 

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, thank you for Your plan to give mankind a second chance to be obedient to You. Please guide my thoughts, words and actions that You would find me obedient and see me as sinless—since Christ took my sins to the cross. I praise You for giving up Your Son for the salvation of everyone who asks for forgiveness of their sin.

 

Joyous Resurrection Sunday to each of you.

Blessings. 

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread

For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure. Then they slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, both for their brothers the priests and for themselves. The sons of Israel who returned from exile and all those who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations of the land to join them, to seek the LORD God of Israel, ate the Passover. And they observed the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the LORD had caused them to rejoice, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to encourage them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. Ezra 6:20-22  

The Feast of Unleavened Bread was observed by the Jews at the time of Ezra just like their ancestors—with joy. At this time, about a thousand years after the first Passover, the Jews celebrated the Holy Day of Passover with a meaning that was renewed with their return from captivity. Now the Jews were back in Jerusalem—the Holy City to rebuild their house of God. A God they only acknowledged as Yahweh although they couldn’t even pronounce His name out of respect. How do you show respect for God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Are you celebrating the Passover? Resurrection Sunday? Since we’re not living on a farm we don’t kill the perfect lamb or fattened calf—but Jews and some Christians still celebrate Passover. Easter—Resurrection Sunday also falls in this week of holy days of Passover. No bunnies here…just a joyous celebration and time of worship. The resurrection of Jesus is the most important day of the year. The Christian religion would mean nothing without the rising of our Savior from the grave. Other religious leaders have been good men—with respectable values. But only one man—Jesus Christ—ever came back to life—was resurrected from the dead. He is God. The True God. The Son of the living Father God. Celebrate His Life today…tomorrow…every day. Seek Him with all your heart and soul. 

Prayer ~ Jesus, I acknowledge that You are the Passover Lamb, the True Savior—the Risen Christ. Bless and guide me, my family, friends and neighbors that we would seek You with all of our hearts, souls, mind and strength.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

The Lamb Sacrificed

For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously…. 1 Peter 2:19-23 

Just before the Jewish people made their Exodus from Egypt, the Passover was established. A sacrificial lamb was selected—pure and unblemished. The lamb was killed and the blood spread on the doorposts of their home—to prevent the angel of death, the last plague, from visiting that home. Later the Jews had a system of sacrifices that God introduced to them in which a pure animal like a lamb or bird, one with no defects, was killed and the blood poured onto the alter of the temple in order for them to be released from the sins that they committed. 

Jesus was tempted for 40 days by the devil at the beginning of His ministry—but He did not give into temptation—He didn’t sin. He committed no sin. Yet we sin…so our sin was piled on Him—and He became the sacrificial lamb. Our sacrificial lamb. He died on the cross at the same hour that the sacrificial lamb was slain in the Temple. He suffered, bled and died on the cross for us. 

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—on this day, remembering the day that You gave up Your life, I humbly bow my head and my heart in recognition of Your sacrifice. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

This scripture passage makes me want to fast, not feast. Jesus suffered so much for us. This Good Friday commemorates the day of His death. Take time out from feasting today and consider fasting. As you forsake a meal, consider what Jesus did for you—feast once again on His Word—His life giving words of hope and reconciliation with God the Father.  

Beginning today, April 3^rd at sunset is the Jewish Holy Day of Passover. It lasts until April 11^th at sunset.

There will also be a lunar eclipse on April 4^th at Passover. Will you be watching for it?

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Exult With Joy

The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. Zephaniah 3:17  

This prophesy is a future blessing for the Jews. How wonderful for them that the Lord is not only “in their midst” but that He is rejoicing over them! Rejoicing! I see that as kind of like the Prodigal Son. (See Luke 15:10-32.)  In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10. The son who spent his inheritance realized what a good life His Father offered him…and he returned home, repentant. That’s how it will be for the Jews who turn to God at the end of time. He will rejoice over them and restore them to their position as His chosen people. The Holy Spirit will be in that rejoicing, too. With all the tribulations that the Jews have had throughout history it is so wonderful to see that things will turn out good for them in the end.    

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, I rejoice with You over Your promise to the Jews—what a blessing You are to them…and they are to You.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

 

Will You be Hidden?

The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah….Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth who have carried out His ordinances; seek righteousness, seek humility. Perhaps you will be hidden in the day of the LORD'S anger. Zephaniah 1:1, 2:3 

Zephaniah was yet another minor prophet who was filled with the Holy Spirit as the Lord delivered a prophesy through him. God gave a message of judgment to the Israelites by this prophet. Judgement for that era and for them in the future. He also provided advice…Seek the Lord, seek to live right before the Lord and try to be humble. Good advice. Especially in the coming “Day of the Lord.” There are about 21 exact phrases of “Day of the Lord” in the Bible. Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near, for the LORD has prepared a sacrifice, He has consecrated His guests. Zephaniah 1:7. The Day of the Lord, according the introduction notes in my Ryrie Study Bible, includes the time of Great Tribulation, the second coming of Christ, and the Millennium. Do you think that the Israelites—specifically those in Jerusalem—back in Zephaniah’s time got the message? I don’t think so…they ended up in captivity in Babylon. Will future Israelites get the message? Will they have a change of heart before the great Day of the Lord? Will that allow them to be “hidden” on that day? Where do you stand with the Lord? Are you seeking the Lord? Have you heard the message…and responded?  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please give me wisdom and understanding so that I can be ready in the Day of the Lord. Help me to share knowledge of You with others that they would know and love You as their savior, too.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Making Choices

The LORD gave this message to Micah of Moresheth during the years when Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah were kings of Judah. The visions he saw concerned both Samaria and Jerusalem….

This is what the LORD says: You false prophets are leading my people astray! You promise peace for those who give you food, but you declare war on those who refuse to feed you. Now the night will close around you, cutting off all your visions. Darkness will cover you, putting an end to your predictions. The sun will set for you prophets, and your day will come to an end. Then you seers will be put to shame, and you fortune-tellers will be disgraced. And you will cover your faces because there is no answer from God. But as for me, I am filled with power—with the Spirit of the LORD. I am filled with justice and strength to boldly declare Israel's sin and rebellion. Micah 1:1, 3:5-8 NLT 

Micah was anointed by the Holy Spirit to prophesy to the people of Israel concerning their coming judgment. This passage concerns the judgment of the false prophets— disgrace to those who led God’s people astray. Micah recognized that the power of the Holy Spirit was guiding him to show Israel her sin and rebellion. Those people of God had once again turned their backs on the God of the Universe—the Creator. But God is good, forgiving and has a great plan for the future. Through the prophet Micah, God revealed that His Son would be born in Bethlehem…and that in the coming Kingdom Israel will be protected by their Shepherd—the Lord. One of the most famous scripture passages in the Bible is found in Micah … Mankind, He has told you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8 HCSB. God blessed Micah with His words…and those are a blessing and guide to us. Know just what God expects of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. How do we do those things? Choices. We have to choose to graciously do what God wants us to do—the right things, in loving and merciful ways. Face it…we know the right things to do…we just need to make the right choices. 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—give us wisdom as we make choices minute by minute throughout this day…that we would please You.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Looking for the Holy Spirit

I’ve been searching for Holy Spirit in the prophets and the all through the Old Testament. Usually the Lord speaks through a prophet—gives a vision through the Holy Spirit. At the beginning of Nahum the Lord is proclaimed by His characteristics—jealous, avenging, wrathful, slow to anger, powerful, judgmental, just, good and to be trusted by those who are close to Him. There is no vision for Nahum, but there is a sure judgment for Nineveh’s population a generation after Jonah’s visit who had turned away from the Lord. They just didn’t know God like their forefathers did. So, how well do you the Lord? 

The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; He cares for those who take refuge in Him.  But He will completely destroy Nineveh with an overwhelming flood, and He will chase His enemies into darkness.  Whatever you plot against the LORD, He will bring it to complete destruction; oppression will not rise up a second time.  Nahum 1:7-9 HCSB 

Can you imagine someone “plotting against the Lord?” Know God. He cares about each of us who seek to know and trust Him. Let Nineveh be an example for us. With their wicked ways they turned backs on God and their judgment was inevitable. Fire will consume them…the sword will cut them down (Nahum 4:15).  

Can you “know” God? Of course you can. Know God—discover His qualities—embrace His love. Seek Him first in your life—in all you think, say and do.  

But in the past, when you didn't know God, you were enslaved to things that by nature are not gods. But now, since you know God, or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt elemental forces? Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? Galatians 4:8-9 HCSB 

But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8 NLT 

Prayer ~ Dear God…to know You is to love You. Guide my heart, thoughts, mind, attitudes and actions that unlike Nineveh I would be pleasing to You.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

No Sulking

The word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me." But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. So he went down to Joppa, found a ship which was going to Tarshish, paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. Jonah 1:1-3  

Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, "Arise, go to Nineveh the great city and proclaim to it the proclamation which I am going to tell you." So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, a three days' walk. Jonah 3:1-3 

 

The word of the Lord came to Jonah—was that via the Holy Spirit? Probably—but the first time Jonah didn’t want anything to do with those heathen Ninevehites and he ran the other way. Then God changed the way Jonah looked at things by having a big fish swallow him. Good thing that God has a sense of humor and had that fish spit Jonah out—he might have died in the fish’s stomach if he’d been there much longer. So the second time that the word of the Lord came to Jonah, he listened and was more obedient. He still had a bit of a stubborn streak. If you read the whole Jonah story, after the people of Nineveh repented he went outside the city and sulked in a little shelter that he built for himself. Who was he to be upset when the Ninevehites were spared from God’s wrath—or when his precious plant died? Life happens. No complaining or sulking. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. James 5:9  We should rejoice when one person, even one from Nineveh, repents—just like the angels do in heaven. In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10. Like Jonah do you get upset over things that God asks you to do? You know, Jonah is not just a story…he was a real person. He is also listed in the historical record of the nation of Israel in Second Kings and mentioned by Jesus a couple of different times.

He (King Jeroboam, 794-753 BC) restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, which He spoke through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was of Gath-hepher. 2 Kings 14:25  

"An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah." And He left them and went away. Matthew 16:4  

Prayer ~  Lord, help me to be obedient the first time You ask me to do something.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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Arrogant Attitude?

The vision of Obadiah. Thus says the Lord God concerning Edom. We have heard a report from the Lord, and an envoy has been sent among the nations saying, “Arise and let us go against her for battle. Behold, I will make you small among the nations, You are greatly despised. The arrogance of your heart has deceived you. You who live in the clefts of the rock, in the loftiness of your dwelling place, who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to earth?’ Though you build high like the eagle, though you set your next among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” declares the Lord.  Obadiah 1:1-4 

In this vision the Lord gives Obadiah a message through the Holy Spirit that is not good for the Edomites—those descendants of Esau. They are arrogant people—thinking of themselves more highly than they should. Proverbs tells us…The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way and perverted mouth, I hate. Proverbs 8:13. God hates evil…and arrogant attitudes. Obadiah is given the vision that God will destroy—wipe out—the Edomites. There is no question that that land that Edom occupies will be given, by this prophesy, to Israel. The arrogant people loose. How’s your attitude? Does God see any arrogance in your heart?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, search me and know my heart. If there be any arrogance in me, show me, and wipe that away from my thoughts, words and actions. I want to be pleasing to You.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Their Choices Made the Land Desolate

Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah saying, "Thus has the LORD of hosts said, 'Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.' But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint so that they could not hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets; therefore great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. And just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen," says the LORD of hosts; "but I scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they have not known. Thus the land is desolated behind them so that no one went back and forth, for they made the pleasant land desolate." Zechariah 7:8-14 

Stubborn hearts—rejecting the wise and kind words of guidance that the Holy Spirit was giving the Israelites. Just ike any loving father teaching his children: be kind—play nice. But the stubborn little brats said, “No! I want to do it my way.” Hadn’t they heard of the Golden Rule? Hardening their hearts towards the Lord was not a wise thing. How often do we do that? Sometimes just a little stiffness. I want to do my own thing…my own way. Just like a two year old. Step back. Deep breath. Focus on the Lord. What do you hear Him saying to you? Justice, kindness, compassion? How will you respond? Like the Israelites—who refused to listen. Or are your choices turning your heart towards God? If we don’t choose God’s ways will our land become desolate?

 

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, please bless and guide us that we would make good decisions that would result in justice, kindness and compassion for those around us. 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

In keeping with the fish on Friday during Lent, I’ve chosen a seafood soup to share today. Spring is here and there aren’t many “soup” days left now until fall. Enjoy this with family or friends, a tossed salad and some good conversation.

Thai Fish Soup – serves 4

1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
¼ red onion, very finely chopped or sliced
1/2 red chili pepper, sliced (optional)
1 stalk lemongrass, bottom stalk only, bruised (substitute with peel of lemon or lime)
4 kaffir lime leaves, torn (substitute with peel of lemon or lime)
14-ounce can coconut milk
1 cup vegetable broth
Juice of ½ lime
1 tablespoon fish sauce
6 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 ounces salmon, cut into 1-inch chunks
Assorted vegetables, such as bok choy, spinach, snow peas, kale, chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, etc.
1 tablespoon minced cilantro

½ pound rice noodles – optional if you want to make it a meal. 

In a soup pot over medium high heat, heat cooking oil and swirl to coat. When hot, add the garlic, ginger, red onion, and chili pepper. Pour in the coconut milk and broth and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the lemongrass, kaffir (or the lemon/lime peel if using) and discard. Season broth with fish sauce and lime juice to taste. If desired, add rice noodles and cook for a few minutes. Next add shrimp, salmon, vegetables of your choice and cilantro. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the shrimp and salmon are cooked through.                                              

Adapted from the Medicinal Chef: Eat Your Way to Better Health by Dale Pinnock

 

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Vision of Horses Before the Lord

Then I looked up again and saw four chariots coming from between two mountains. And the mountains were made of bronze. The first chariot had red horses, the second chariot black horses, the third chariot white horses, and the fourth chariot dappled horses -- all strong horses. So I inquired of the angel who was speaking with me, "What are these, my lord?"  The angel told me, "These are the four spirits of heaven going out after presenting themselves to the Lord of the whole earth. The one with the black horses is going to the land of the north, the white horses are going after them, but the dappled horses are going to the land of the south." As the strong horses went out, they wanted to go patrol the earth, and the LORD said, "Go, patrol the earth." So they patrolled the earth. Then He summoned me saying, "See, those going to the land of the north have pacified My Spirit in the northern land." Zechariah 6:1-8 HCSB 

Horses in the future of Jerusalem. That is what Zechariah was prophesying from the Lord. Not regular horses, but special horses with chariots. These represented the four spirits of heaven ( verse 5) and God is pronouncing His judgment on the nations of the world. The phrase about the horses going to the north bringing rest or peace to “My Spirit” would indicate that there would be some changes or peace to that region—and that may have just been the fall of Babylon…or it could indicate a future change—destruction—of a great city, named as Babylon in the Book of Revelation. Then a mighty angel picked up a stone like a large millstone and threw it into the sea, saying: In this way, Babylon the great city will be thrown down violently and never be found again. Revelation 18:21 HCSB. No one wants to be on the side that gets destroyed…but everyone makes a choice. To live in obedience to God, or not. Will people in this city have a choice? Some people may feel that they don’t have a choice…that is just life. That’s the way things are—sinfulness all around them, so they are part of it. But we do have a choice. Within our hearts we can choose who we’ll serve—how our lives will be. Choose the dark or white horse and ride into the north to pacify the Holy Spirit. The dark horses represent the melancholy of war while the white horses represent joy and a return of peace, according to the Bible commentaries of Matthew Henry. The white horse almost always represents the Good Guy! Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness. Revelation 19:11 HCSB. Do you choose to ride in that white horse drawn chariot and go forth with the joy of the Lord? 

Prayer ~ Now may the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit—Your awesome power, God. Romans 15:13. NASB

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

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By My Spirit—The Holy Spirit

Then he (an angel) said to me (Zechariah, a priest), "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 

Things happen just by the word of the Lord or the Spirit—the Holy Spirit. He guides directs, comforts, teaches, corrects and encourages. Additionally, the sword of the Spirit is the Word if God.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints…. Ephesians 6:12-18. 

In this passage in Zechariah, the Lord was speaking to Zerubbabel, the governor. The Temple was being rebuilt by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord was explaining that it was the Holy Spirit that was rebuilding the Temple…and the lives of the Hebrew people. Power and might of the nation couldn’t rebuild the Temple unless the Lord was in it. Zerubbabel was witnessing God’s power as the Temple was reconstructed.

Do you see the power of God working in your life? Are you putting on your spiritual armor so that you will be able to resist when evil presents itself?  

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, I pray that You will help me to recall, recite, and live out my life standing firm with the spiritual armor covering me. The Word of God is precious to me. I want to always be alert and persevere as I grow in knowledge and understanding of Your word and Your ways…and pray for my sisters and brothers in Christ. Be a blessing today to those who seek and serve You, Lord God.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm

Do Not Fear – The Spirit is Living with You

'But now take courage, Zerubbabel,' declares the LORD, 'take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage,' declares the LORD, 'and work; for I am with you,' declares the LORD of hosts. 'As for the promise which I made you when you came out of Egypt, My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear!' For thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land.' Haggai 2:4-6  

Everyone! All the people of the land needed to take courage…and work. Not the time to sit back and relax. It was the time to dig in and work. They were rebuilding the Temple after the Babylonian Exile.

 

What a promise—The Holy Spirit is living with you. The Holy Spirit would be guiding not just one man—but living in many people at once. He would be helping them all—just like He dwells in so many people at one time today. Do not fear! Another great and powerful promise. No fear. Even when the earth and heaven shake, no one needs to be afraid. God is protecting His people—even as He shakes things up. Earthquakes—even just little tremors—can be very scary. But don’t be afraid. God has a plan—and His Holy Spirit is with us. Can you claim those promises?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, give us calmness during coming earthquakes or calamities. Surround us with Your love and strength as we put our trust in You. You are in us and with us…and we don’t need to be afraid. No fear! Our hope is in You.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

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

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm