What Guides Your Thoughts and Actions?

I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, "I am determined to be wise." But it didn't work. Ecclesiastes 7:23

We can’t get wise on own. It is a gift from God—a reward. Just a reminder… God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. Ecclesiastes 2:26. Once again…on a daily basis…I seek to please God in all that I do. I am only human…how about you?

Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins. Don't eavesdrop on others--you may hear your servant curse you. For you know how often you yourself have cursed others. I have always tried my best to let wisdom guide my thoughts and actions. I said to myself, "I am determined to be wise." But it didn't work. Ecclesiastes 7:20-23.

Let wisdom guide my…your…thoughts and actions. The best way I know for that to happen is to be into God’s Word every day—and the earlier in the day the better—so that He can influence my thoughts and actions. I don’t want to have to fight off some other influence. I’ve got to “put on” my spiritual armor.

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. Ephesians 6:10-19.

Are you putting on your armor today?

Prayer ~ Lord, I put on my armor—Your armor—so that You will fight and I will be able to stand firm, to resist the enemy today…and every day. Give me wisdom to boldly explain Your plan of salvation…and to help disciple those around me as they grow closer to You daily. Protect and guide us all.

Lord, please provide a healing touch to our friend, Loretta, in Portugal.

May You feel the presence and love of the Lord.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Mother’s Day Wisdom

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. Proverbs 31:26-31

MoM's Day Orchid - Thanks

Great tribute to the Mother of Proverbs. Happy Mother’s Day—to all you Mammas. This is the woman of the Bible to emulate—to be like. Set her attributes as your goals. Kind, good teacher, leader, hard worker, admirable, high integrity, capable, respects God, and worthy of praise and honor. Making good choices is the way to attain those goals. Solomon gives some good advice: Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:11. Joshua knew that the men…and women…needed to make a choice for their families. But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15. Ladies…who will you choose to serve today? Is it your goal to serve the Lord?

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, I choose to serve, honor and respect You. Guide me and give me wisdom as I serve You by serving my family—as I honor You by treating them with love and respect. You are worthy of my praise.

Happy Mother’s Day.

Do You Please God?

God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:26.

God gives wisdom…and other things that we all value, like knowledge, to those who please Him. So I put pleasing God high on my list of priorities. There is a passage in Romans that talks about pleasing the Holy Spirit—that is God.

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.) Romans 8:5-9

So how do we please God? We can begin by honoring Him in all that we think (yes, THINK), say and do. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. Romans 14:17-18

Pleasing God is the most important thing in our lives—at least for me pleasing God is the most important thing in my life.

For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4

The motive of our heart…the motive of our actions. I recently heard a Focus on the Family radio program in which the guest author said that we needed to ask our children “What motivated you to do that?” She gave an example of her two sons arguing over a hairbrush. They were amazing in that the older one (9) identified what was motivating his actions towards brother. Basically it was just sibling rivalry. I just want to be better—I know I am already…so I’ll prove it. the older boy apologized to his younger brother, without being ask to do so. His repentant action was pleasing to the Lord.  Selfish and self-centered actions don’t please God. Are your actions, as well as your thoughts and words, pleasing to the Lord?    

Prayer ~ Lord, may all that I think, say and do be pleasing to You. Shower me with Your blessings of wisdom, knowledge and joy.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Nothing Better Than Good Food

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from Him? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

We live to eat and eat to live—so we might as well enjoy good food! That includes good beverages, too, although I enjoy sparkling clean, cool water the best of all. Jesus spoke in His Sermon on the Mount about food and drink. Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, drink and clothes) will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33 NASB. He provides everything we need. No worries.

Like Solomon, I think that finding work that appeals to you—and gives you satisfaction is important. People who work at jobs for which they have the proper aptitude and that they look forward to every day are really blessed. There is nothing better than that. That is wisdom—that the pleasures we enjoy, food, drink and a good job all come from God. He provides. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me. Psalm 103:2.

Prayer ~ I praise You Lord God, for You have given us a desire for good food…and provided that food for us. You are amazing. There are so many good foods—and such a variety that it will take us a lifetime to experience them all. Thank You.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

My husband recently brought me a huge bag of some dark chocolate almond bark from Costco. It was delicious—but it didn’t last long. Here is an equally tasty chocolate delicacy.

Dark Chocolate Bark

Dark chocolate is an antioxidant, nuts are high in Omega-3 which is important to heart health, and cherries are known to help against gout and other inflammatory diseases. Enjoy this healthy combination.

1½ cups nuts – your choice of (about 6 ounces) walnut halves, pecans or almonds, chopped or slivered

9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 cup dried cherries (4 ounces), coarsely chopped

2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped or grated with a microplaner

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Let cool, then coarsely chop.

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. On the stove using a double boiler pan or in the microwave in a glass bowl at high power in 30-second bursts, stirring frequently. Stir in the nuts, cherries and crystallized ginger until evenly coated. Scrape the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a 12-by-8-inch rectangle. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until firm enough to cut.

Cut the bark into 48 pieces (6 rows by 8 rows) and transfer to a plate. Serve cold or at room temperature.

The bark can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy this healthy food.

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

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

What Happens to Knowledge?

Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn't worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy. So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless. Ecclesiastes 2:21-23

We can’t live forever…and we can’t take anything with us when this life is over. We go away the same way we came into this world—naked and owning really nothing. Stuff—worldly possessions, property and assets—may be passed on to family or friends who haven’t worked for it…but just inherited it. It may seem meaningless to Solomon, but when there is substantial or sentimental value it means A LOT to those receiving it. I’ve known a couple of really brilliant people—deep thinkers who were at the cutting edge in their day for knowledge in their field—but when they died, it didn’t matter. Well—it did matter. That was the end of their knowledge. Except for the books and scientific papers that they had written, and the anecdotes that they passed onto their families, their knowledge is gone. That is a great tragedy. Are their lives now meaningless?  And another friend, Patricia Sherman, who died several years ago, was very creative and imaginative—a superb artist and puppeteer. Her creativity is lost. Oh, her art work and puppets still exist, but the spark of life that she gave them is all but forgotten. Is this now adding to Solomon’s list of meaninglessness? What will I leave behind? A legacy of blogs, a collection of stuff that I’m certain no one will really want. Shelves of books that you could purchase on Amazon for one cent apiece. Meaningless.  Am I chasing after the wind if I want to have a legacy to leave behind? All I really want is to be raptured—to meet Christ in the air. That is NOT meaningless. All the stuff of worldly possessions and worldly knowledge really don’t matter. Knowing God matters. Where do you stand when it comes to spiritual matters…spiritual knowledge?

Prayer ~ Lord God, open my eyes to the things that matter in this life—You, Your Knowledge, and Your Wisdom. Give me grace to see others the way You see them and to encourage them to seek You first in their lives. Help my life to be meaningful…not meaningless. I praise You Lord—for who You are. The Source of all Wisdom, Master, Creator, Savior, Comforter, Friend, Truth, Light, Life, Power, and Shepherd. Above all…My Lord and My God.

Happy Cinco de Mayo Day!

Enjoy some Mexican food or cultural activity today.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Is it Meaningless?

But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?). I thought, "Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark." Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate. Ecclesiastes 2:11-14

Balsam flowers on Badger Mt

Chasing after the wind is a futile activity. We have lots of windy days here in the Mid-Columbia region of eastern Washington State. We’re talking wind—like 20-40+ mph. As I write this it is calm, sunny, peaceful and totally gorgeous. I think I’ll go work in my yard instead of blogging—haha. We had a rainy late winter so lots of things are growing—beautiful wildflowers, but it is a bad year for allergies. The wind really stirs things up even more, so that is one reason that everyone is glad for a calm day here. It is wise to make good use of the time when the weather is agreeable. Time to plant and sow. Prime time for getting a garden started, before it gets hot.  Another reason we get wind here in the Tri-Cities is the heat…hot air rises and cooler air tries to move in…that is what wind is all about. It is really wise to know about such things…wind coming with the light…the heat of the sun and remarkably the wind usually calms or reverses direction and speed when the sun goes down and it get cooler. That is God’s creation at work. Who really understands the weather? Certainly, it is not easy for the weathermen to predict—but it is always a topic of conversation. If people exchanged knowledge and experiences they’ve had with God as often as they talk about the weather, there would be lots of “God Talk.”  That would be some good exchange of wisdom—since spiritual wisdom is from God. He IS the source. If we’d just acknowledge Him more there would be more wisdom shared and spread. What is worthwhile in your life…in your day today? How do you see God working? Can you share that with someone?

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, help us to see Your hand at work in our lives. Give us wisdom to understand You and Your ways…and to share that wisdom with others around us—family, friends and neighbors. Your

love is not meaningless.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Cheer Up?

After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. Ecclesiastes 2:3

Does wine really cheer up a person? I come from a family that had a couple of alcoholics. I remember my maternal Grandmother saying that her brother was an alcoholic…and we better be careful about any drinking we did when we grew up. We went to see him in the VA hospital in Walla Walla when I was about eight…but he just looked like a lonely sick man in pajamas sitting in the sun. What does an alcoholic look like? My Dad had to have an “iced tea” every day…but it wasn’t made with a tea bag—it came out of a whisky or scotch bottle. He had a broken neck during WWII and his injury caused a lot of pain that was numbed by his iced tea. We just accepted that…and he was never an abusive alcoholic—so we didn’t consider him to be an “alcoholic” until much later in life. He certainly wasn’t a wino, although his iced tea did change his attitude and give him some cheer.

Do we hold onto foolishness while we are seeking wisdom, like Solomon?

A little glass of Bess' Blackberry wine.

Is one glass of wine just a beverage with a meal or is it a grasping for cheer or happiness? To some it is more refreshing than a soda, but Proverbs has other advice. Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1 NASB. Intoxicated. That is the key word. The condition to avoid is that very condition. Those who choose to drink wine as a beverage will rationalize that they are not becoming intoxicated, they are just enjoying the fruit of the vine. Or consider its medicinal properties. No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments. 1 Timothy 5:23 NASB.  It seems that that is how some people live. Is it the way to happiness?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, as we seek wisdom, guide us so that we don’t go down the wrong path, clutching at foolishness, experiencing happiness that people of the world find. Let us find our happiness in You…and in pleasing You in all that we think, say, and do.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Good Things in Life

I said to myself, "Come on, let's try pleasure. Let's look for the 'good things' in life." But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, "Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?" Ecclesiastes 2:1-2

Laughter is silly. But isn’t that the point of laughing—to enjoy some silliness in life? Laughter is such good medicine—it actually exercises the abdominal muscles. People look for comedy movies—searching to be “entertained” and have a few laughs–but what if…they searched for God and His wisdom instead? Would they find laughter…entertainment…escape from the ho-humdrums of life? Do I? Do you?    

In searching for God I’ve found that life is good. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle's! Psalm 103:5. When I stop and consider all that He has done for me and provided for me, I am humbled and elated. The “things” He has provided aren’t just material things, but things like peace, contentment and love to give and receive. I am filled with His joy and thanksgiving. So for you…I keep on praying. So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. 2 Thessalonians 1:11. Good things.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord—Thank you for the good things You’ve so generously given me in my life. Food, family, friends—but most of all Your love and compassion.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Have Fun…Enjoy Life

So I (Solomon) set out to learn everything from wisdom to madness and folly. But I learned firsthand that pursuing all this is like chasing the wind. The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow. Ecclesiastes 1:17-18

Poor Solomon. He wanted wisdom—and got it, but it added to his grief and sorrow. The more he knew, the more sadness he could see in the world—and the more he recognized his own short-comings before the Lord. Riches and wisdom didn’t make him happy. Is “happiness” what you are searching for in your life? How’s that going?

Solomon recognized that the wicked may get treated special while good people may be treated unjustly and that people have the power to harm each other (Ecclesiastes 8:9), but he also advocated good times. So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15. Enjoy life. Now that sounds like wise advice to me! Enjoy your day!

Prayer ~ Lord, help us not to chase after the wind or to be so weighed down with our day to day earthly tasks that we don’t take time to enjoy life. We appreciate that You created such a wonderful place for us to live and experience—the beautiful blue sky, sunshine, trees and flowers blooming…and even the refreshing rain. You are so good to us. Thank you.

Happy May Day!

Surprise someone with flowers on their doorstep.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Every Word of God Proves True

The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message. I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One. ... Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. Proverbs 30:1-3, 5

April is over…but our search for wisdom is not over. Is it ever? Evidently Agar, not Solomon, wrote this proverb. He says it well and like him…I am just plain tired. But I’m not tired of seeking God and His wisdom. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 NASB. Like Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes…I directed my mind to know, to investigate and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of folly and the foolishness of madness. Ecclesiastes 7:25 NASB. Seek knowledge…and wisdom for yourself. Remember…every word of God proves true. Jesus IS the Word of God… In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1.  He is the way the truth and the life.  Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." John 14:6. Every word of God proves true…because God is truth. Something to think about.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord…Your every word is truth. You are Truth. I continue to seek You…Your wisdom. Help me to see whatever it is that You are showing and teaching me. Sometimes I’m just too tired, too dense…am I lacking in common sense? Enlighten me. Don’t let Your Truth get past me.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Deep Waters and Bubbling Brooks

Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4

Deep water in which I’ve snorkeled and swam can have a strong current. Depending on where it is, deep water can be dangerous…but it can also be filled with life—beautiful coral and colorful sea life. There is an expression that “still water runs deep” which could pertain to wise words being calming, strengthening, and peaceful. 

God promised the Israelites that He would be with them…and I think as Christians, chosen to be God’s children, we can claim the same promise. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2.

Have you ever experienced a bubbling brook—that just seems to be joyous, enthusiastic, and eager to please as it flows along nudging all the branches and leaves along its way? We can be like that bubbling brook sharing the wisdom that God has given us in a happy way. Joyous, caring, loving and willing to serve others.  

Prayer ~ Lord, as You give us wisdom, fill us with Your joyful spirit that we would be like a bubbling brook and draw others to You. Be glorified and honored in all that we think, say and do—that we would reflect Your glory and honor.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda both have claims for curing cancer. I’ve wondered if either one could prevent cancer. That would be the real test. People who develop cancer are frequently grasping at straws…or taking chemotherapy that nearly kills them in order to kill the cancer.

Books on vinegar cures are full of folk remedies. Whether people are fighting germs, destroying cancer cells, strengthening the cardiovascular system or just wanting to feel and look better, apple cider vinegar can be taken by mixing one teaspoon natural apple cider vinegar into a glass of warm water and drinking it, usually one-half hour before a meal. It is helpful to add a spoonful of honey or molasses to the mixture if fighting cancer since the cancers draw glucose into the cells. The nutrients in the vinegar go along into the cell, presumably destroy the cancer.

The baking soda is to be taken with lemon juice, in a ratio of one-half teaspoon soda to the juice of one-half of a lemon, added to a glass of water and slowly drank about an hour before a meal. This will also raise the pH of the body, which is said to be beneficial to overall health.

There is always something to be said about improving one’s health. Destroying free radicals with antioxidants boosts the immune system. That makes us healthier. Can the antioxidants in dark chocolate really be good for us? Hmmmm. More food for thought. It might just be wise to do some personal research on dark chocolate benefits beyond the Internet. Yum!

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Don’t Sell Out the Truth

Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. Proverbs 23:23

Some things you just can’t buy…or sell. Money, love, wisdom and truth. Discipline and good judgment aren’t found for sale either. No price tag would be enough to cover it.

Jesus said that He Himself was the Truth. Jesus said…"I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6 NASB.

It was after the Last Supper that Judas sold out Jesus…The Truth. Judas Iscariot agreed to turn over Jesus to the Temple guards for  thirty silver coins. He sold out the Truth…but that didn’t give Judas any satisfaction. When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. Matthew 27:3.

Seek and you will find…Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NASB. Ask for truth, wisdom, discipline and good judgment. Seek those things from the Lord. Then they will be yours…you won’t have to try to buy them…nor will you ever want to sell them. Don’t sell out the truth or wisdom. You can teach others about truth and about wisdom—but it isn’t something—even a gift—we can give. Have you asked the Lord for wisdom?

Prayer ~ Lord, we come before you…seeking wisdom with all our heart, soul and mind that we would make wise choices day by day that would please You. May others see our wisdom as a gift from You and desire it for themselves…along with salvation. We acknowledge that salvation comes only to a repentant heart, humbled by the blood of Jesus, and rejoicing with His resurrection. Thank you, Jesus, for dying and living for us. We won’t sell You out.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Joyful Walk with the Wise?

The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. Proverbs 23:24

The mother of godly children has cause for joy! People—young or older—who are seeking the Lord and living in His way—right—are righteous. Joy! Pure delight fills my heart knowing that my daughter and son both seek to please the Lord—to live in His truth. What more could I ask for in life? Well…to have a few thousand people come to know the Lord as their Savior would be nice…but within my own family, to have my children and grandchildren seeking the Lord is cause for great joy in my heart. Overflowing exultation!   

Wise children. That almost seems like an oxymoron. How can children become wise? They are often or generally self-driven and senseless. It takes a lot of parental involvement and discipline to have a child that seeks the Lord—one that can be considered godly. A wise child accepts a parent's discipline; a mocker refuses to listen to correction. Proverbs 13:1. It is really a gift of God to have wise children.

My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! Proverbs 23:15

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:19

You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14.

Train up that child of yours in the way you want them to go…in God’s way…and they’ll follow that way. When they are small they will imitate you…so what way are you going? Are you following a straight and narrow path? The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8.

Prayer ~ Lord God, keep our eyes on You…and help us to follow your narrow gateway to Heaven. We want to take as many as possible with us—to worship You for eternity—so open their eyes and hearts to Your love and your way—that straight and narrow path.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Listen and Obey

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:19

Do children listen? Sometimes they have to be told a couple of times—listen—listen—listen.

My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my instructions. ... Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. Proverbs 4:1-2, 5.

What does it take to encourage a child to listen? Start at an early age… Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 NASB. Ann Landers once said, “It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them.”

Children learn from the adults around them.

But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They became stubborn and would not listen to Your commandments. They refused to listen, and did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; so they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; and You did not forsake them. ... and admonished them in order to turn them back to Your law. Yet they acted arrogantly and did not listen to Your commandments but sinned against Your ordinances, by which if a man observes them he shall live. And they turned a stubborn shoulder and stiffened their neck, and would not listen. Nehemiah 9:16-17, 29

Are you willing to listen to the Lord…to accept Christian counsel? What does it take to encourage you or your children to listen?

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and He blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. Revelation 1:3

Prayer ~ Open our hearts to Your word, Lord, that we would listen, obey and teach our children and grandchildren to wisely listen and obey.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Do You Want to Get Rich?

Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. Proverbs 23:4

Do people who are trying to get rich ever know when to stop? I know of a couple of people who have gambled at a casino and won some money—actually lots of it—and then gambled it away so that they left penniless. They wore themselves out trying to get rich. Do they know that gambling is a form of greed? Of coveting? When that was explained to me I instantly lost the desire to gamble. I thought it was kind of dumb to just throw money away—but to know that gambling was breaking the Ten Commandment just made it totally less desirable. "You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor." Exodus 20:17. Don’t covet…desire…anything that doesn’t belong to you, including money. And don’t steal… "You must not steal."  Exodus 20:15. That would be taking what doesn’t belong to you. Is that part of gambling? Be wise and know when to quit…or better yet, when not to get started.

Prayer ~ Lord, open our eyes to see any ways in which we are breaking Your Commandments. Guide our thoughts and actions that we would not desire to take what doesn’t belong to us without working for it. Help us to encourage others to change their ways that we would all think, say and do whatever it is that pleases You.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Words of the Wise

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. Proverbs 22:17

God gave Moses words to speak to the Israelites shortly before he died. When Moses had finished reciting all these (God’s) words to the people of Israel, he added: "Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River."

The Jordan River - Baptism

Deuteronomy 32:45-47. 

Wise words to your children. Is there anything more important that teaching your children and grandchildren…any children…to obey wise words—God’s words. That was important during Moses time…and for the same holds true for us today. There is nothing as important as applying God’s word to our lives. Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king. Ecclesiastes 9:17. Listen to the words of the wise…and find a way to relate them to your heart and life. Good advice. Do you find them painful or offensive? The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep. Ecclesiastes 12:11.   

Prayer ~ Lord God, Help us to listen closely since the wise words You have for us maybe so quietly spoken that we might miss them in the noisy world in which we live. Let us see the wisdom and purity of Your word and how we can best apply it to our lives.

It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.                  -Albert Einstein

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Do Your Heart’s Desires Fit God’s Plan?

Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice. Proverbs 20:18

The best counsel is with God…as David wrote…In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. May He send you help from His sanctuary and strengthen you from Jerusalem. May He remember all your gifts and look favorably on your burnt offerings. May He grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:1-4.

I love that…that God would give me the desires of my heart. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21. 

My heart’s desire is just to please the Lord. LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart's desire is to glorify your name. Isaiah 26:8. His plans are my goals in life. No war—although daily trials can be interpreted as combat or warfare—spiritual warfare—for some people. It takes good advice to make it through some conflicts. Seek some good advice from wise people who know God. So don't go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. Proverbs 24:6. What are your heart’s desires? Who are your counselors?

Prayer ~ Dear God, give me friends and Christian advisers that help guide me through the spiritual warfare that confronts us all. Give each of us wisdom that we would follow Your plans for our lives. We want to live to please You.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

What Will You Do with Your Knowledge?

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.  Proverbs 19:20

Wise the rest of your life. How long is the rest of our lives? We all hope that we’ll live a long time…but as Paul wrote to the Philippians while he was in jail in Rome there is some gain in dying…

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don't know which is better. I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Philippians 1:20-24

Here’s some advice that was given to the Israelites by the prophet Isaiah.

O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, "Your God is coming!" Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. Isaiah 40:9-10

Who is able to advise the Spirit of the LORD? Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? Has the LORD ever needed anyone's advice? Does he need instruction about what is good? Did someone teach him what is right or show him the path of justice? Isaiah 40:13-14

It seems a little presumptuous to think that someone would give advice to the Lord. He is above all—He has all wisdom and knowledge. How could we possibly tell Him anything? Since He is the source of all wisdom it would be advantageous to know God…to study His way. For more practical matters…we need to soak up the knowledge of experts around us. For those who are still working (I’m retired) identify not only the experts in your area of expertise, but those who are willing to mentor others. Pray about opportunities to work with those particular people. Trust that God will open the doors for you to learn more and apply that to your job. Learning is a life-long process. Even after we retire…we never stop learning. What we do with our knowledge is up to us…get advice and instruction so we can be wise. Then what will you do with your knowledge? Make some wise choices?

Prayer ~ Lord God, in Your mercy, give me knowledge and insight into things that I need to know about…and wisdom and understanding to use that knowledge in a way that brings You glory and honor.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Dessert is always a favorite time of the meal—so what do the Jews serve at Passover? Nothing with leaven…or even wheat flour. Almonds are healthy…and I love them, so I share this simple dessert with you. Enjoy!

Almond Macaroons

5 egg whites, beat until stiff

1½ pounds confectioner’s sugar

5 tablespoons matzoh cake meal

1 lemon rind, grated

1 pound almonds (about 3 1/3 cups), finely ground

Add sugar to beaten egg whites a little at a time. Fold in cake meal, lemon rind and ground almonds. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil. Drop cookie dough onto sheet by teaspoonful, or pipe into a swirled design using a decorator’s bag, leaving about an inch between the cookies. Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool and remove from cookie sheet. Makes about 3½ dozen cookies.

May God bless you and your family as you commemorate once again the Redemption of God’s people from the land of Egypt. May this redemption be a renewal of your own devotion to the Lord. Consider… From what has He redeemed you? For what has He redeemed you?

Passover Begins at Sundown

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Can There Be Wisdom in Anger?

A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:27

I figure that God is pretty busy listening to a multitude of people praying at the same time all around the world in so many different languages, so He appreciates hearing succinct prayers that get to the point. That would be the prayers of a wise person…using few words. Solomon wrote some similar words in Ecclesiastes. Don't make rash promises, and don't be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2. That chapter starts off with more interesting advice…As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut. It is evil to make mindless offerings to God. Ecclesiastes 5:1. Keep your mouth shut! There are so many of us that are so glad to see our Christian friends at church that our mouths are running a mile a minute! Do we forget whose house we are in?  I think so. There have been a couple of times lately that our Pastor has asked everyone to leave the church…not just the sanctuary…quietly—without talking in respect to those still praying and worshiping…and in respect to God. He is awesome and worthy of our praise—and a limited number of words as we pray to Him.

People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. Proverbs 14:29. Controlling one’s temper is truly a gift of the Spirit—self-control. There are other verses that pertain to anger management—isn’t that what controlling one’s temper is all about? Anger management.

Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. Proverbs 19:11

Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool. Ecclesiastes 7:9  

Is a desert lizard hot tempered?

I certainly feel like a fool when I lose my temper. I always considered it just part of my Irish heritage to have a bad temper—but after I became a Christian I learned that God could help me with my fiery temper—and as an adult temper tantrums are really demeaning and unbecoming. Besides that I didn’t want to pass on that trait to my children. Praying, counting to ten or more, and reciting memorized scripture to myself helped me get beyond the temper explosions…and now I can give God the glory when faced with a situation that would have previously caused me to blow up. The understanding is from the Lord—an insight into one’s behavior and application of God’s wisdom. That is the key to controlling anger. I still need to work on applying that to my life daily…with the grace of God…I’ll continue to improve. Will that make me less Irish?   

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, forgive me for my anger…and give me the grace to rely on You to control my anger in a way that brings You glory and honor. Give me wisdom to apply Your word to my life situations that I would not only control my anger…but that it would diminish under all circumstances so that others could see You working in my life.

Talking and eloquence are not the same: to speak and to speak well are two things. A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.                                                                                    - Heinrich Heine

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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

Who Is He?

Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is His name—and His son's name? Tell me if you know! Proverbs 30:4

Do you know the Son of God? Have you heard of His glorious works and abilities?

He is the creator almighty. He did come down to earth as a human baby, and grew up to be a great teacher who calmed the stormy Sea of Galilee, and as He told John’s disciples…Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. Luke 7:22. That is what He did. Do you know His name?  Is it…

            Jehovah           Yehoshua        Emmanuel       Son of God                  The Gift of God

            Lamb of God   The Word        The Nazarene  King of the Jews          The Alpha and Omega

            My Lord          The Holy One Savior             The Wisdom of God    My Resting-place

My Master       The Way          The Truth         The Life                       The Bread of Life

            My Teacher     Rabboni           Son of Mary    The True Vine               Light of the World      

            My Shepherd   The Carpenter  The Rock         Friend                          Lord of Lords

            My Keeper       The Advocate  Master              King of Righteousness Righteous Judge

            My Restorer     The Rock         High Priest       The Intercessor             Sure Foundation         

            King of Glory  Emmanuel       My All in All   King of Glory              King of Kings

            My Maker        High Priest       The Life           The Bridegroom           My Sanctification

            I AM                Savior              King of Peace  Prince of Peace             The Bread of Life

            The Living Bread                     The Hidden Manna                              The Rose of Sharon

            The Light of the World             The Bright and Morning Star                The Messiah               

            Jesus Christ

Yes—those are His names—the Son of God—My Savior. Jesus.

Do these names hold any meaning for you?

Are there other names that you think of when you think of Jesus?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus—We lift Your name up high—for You are worthy of our praise and adoration. May Your name always be glorified—and may You be honored in all hearts today.

Happy Birthday Sweet Amelia!

Love and Blessings to our little Lady Bug ~

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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