Prepared?

Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight they were roused by the shout, 'Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!' All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. Then the five foolish ones asked the others, 'Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' But the others replied, 'We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, 'Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!' But he called back, 'Believe me, I don't know you!' So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:1-13

I love this parable that Jesus told His disciples about the kingdom of heaven. Only found in the book of Matthew, it gives us Protestants a view into the Jewish customs. The Jewish couple is betrothed—promised in marriage to each other, but their wedding doesn’t take place until their home is prepared. The bridegroom goes to his father’s house and adds on a room—or rooms depending on his wealth. When his father says that the home is ready for the bride, he sends the bridegroom to get her. Meanwhile the wedding party, including those ten virgins, have been preparing for the wedding at the bride’s home—helping her get ready.

I just imagine these ten girls all curled up, sleeping while they are waiting for the bridegroom’s procession. "He is coming!" They are awakened suddenly, excited, jumping up and down, bumping into each other, and some discover they don’t have enough oil. The important point is that the five wise girls who planned ahead had enough “oil” to light their lamps and the others didn’t.

The bridegroom arrives at the bride’s home and after observing some religious ceremonies he wisks her away to their new home, at his father’s house—where the wedding ceremony and the festivities take place. The bride’s maids in waiting would come out with oil lamps to light up the entrance as the groom and his guests arrived. After the bridegroom procession entered his father’s house, the doors were shut and no other guests were received. Then the bride and groom would be seated under a colorful canopy and for the next three to five days the father of the groom hosted an elaborate and elegant banquet. The wedding feast. Those who are ready go with the bride and groom—those who aren’t ready miss out altogether. Moral of the story—be ready. The unprepared girls had to go buy more oil—and when they arrived at the wedding feast the door was locked and they were not allowed to enter. Thus they were left out in the cold—the Lord didn’t know them.

The bride symbolically represents the church, the bridegroom is Christ, and the ten virgins are said to be representative of the professing Jewish remnant on earth at Christ’s return. The oil is symbolic for the Holy Spirit—so be wise… keep yourself filled. Be ready—again, BE PREPARED! We don’t know the hour or the day that Christ, the bridegroom, will return and take us to His feast. That is The Banquet we don’t want to miss!

Read the passage in John 14:1-3…Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. This is Jesus’ promise to us that He is preparing a place for us in heaven—in His Father’s house—just like the Jewish bridegroom in this scripture in Matthew.

Lord God, thank you for your plan to have Your Son prepare a place just for us. We so look forward to the great wedding feast in Your Heavenly home one day.

© 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.

Honor Your Father

Jerusalem Model - Old City - Temple

Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn't show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn't know what to think. "Son," his mother said to him, "why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere." "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they didn't understand what he meant. Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.  Luke 2:41-52

Three days later they found Jesus in the Temple. Three days. How many twelve year olds do you know who would sit in a church or other religious building for three days listening and discussing religion with leaders or teachers?  Jesus was an amazing child—it is no wonder that Mary pondered and remembered facts about Jesus life. It must have been a joy for Mary and Joseph to raise Jesus…an obedient child, although he did stay behind when they left Jerusalem after the Passover festival. This passage in Luke tells us that Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and favor with God and other people. God was probably telling the angels in heaven, “That is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” I imagine He was beaming with pride at the actions of His Son. That is how it is with fathers when their sons are doing well—when the child is obedient and honors his father. Father’s Day is coming up in a couple of weeks. Now is the time to start planning how you will honor your father. Jesus probably honored Joseph as his early father in ways besides his obedience. How will you show honor to your father…or the fathers in your family this year for Father’s Day?

Prayer ~ Jesus, thank you for being an example to us on how we are to treat our earthly and heaven fathers. Just as You were obedient to Mary, Joseph and to our Heavenly Father, we want to be obedient to our Heavenly Father…and also treat our earthly father with respect…whether he is deserving of it or not. Give us wisdom to be good parents and to guide our children and grandchildren in ways that are pleasing to You now and forever more.

© 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

Healthy Child

When Jesus' parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God's favor was on Him. Luke 2:39-40

Sea of Galilee

Joseph and Mary went through all the steps that Jewish parents had to go through to dedicate and circumcise their new child and ritually purify the mother. Religious laws were legalistic…and even though Joseph and Mary were not rich, they did offer a sacrifice at the Temple that was expected of them. Then according to Luke, they went back to the region of Galilee and the town of Nazareth. The book of Matthew gives the details of them going to Egypt after the Wise Men visited. At any rate, Jesus was brought up to follow Jewish laws and rituals. He was well cared for and grew up healthy and strong. Can’t you just imagine His bronze skin glowing in the sunlight—healthy and strong? God watched over Him—filled Him with wisdom and Jesus in response to His Heavenly Father’s blessing was esteemed. God approved of His Son, Jesus. That is the dream of all parents…to have a healthy child, who grows strong and wise, applying the knowledge that they gain. Kids are such sponges. They soak up the knowledge not only from their schoolwork, but from everything around them. That is why it is so important to monitor what they watch on TV, see on the Internet, or even read in books or magazines. They are so impressionable. Be careful little eyes what you see…be careful little ears what you hear…for the Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful.... We want to have God’s approval, just as Jesus did. Do you have plans for your children, or grandchildren that they would grow in wisdom and understanding and have the esteemed approval of the Lord?    

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, please bless our children or grandchildren with wisdom and give us grace to see beyond ourselves to guide them in the decisions that they make so that they would live lives pleasing to You. May we all bring You glory and honor.

© 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.

Scoffing at Wisdom

He returned (from the Sea of Galilee) to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, "Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?" Then they scoffed, "He's just the carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers--James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?" And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family." And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:54-58

This scripture passage tell us that the people of Nazareth…were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. They were offended—deeply offended. Scoffing at the wisdom of Jesus who obviously was a good speaker and teacher, they couldn’t believe that anyone that grew up there could be so knowledgeable and wise. Those people in Nazareth had a lot of nerve—self-righteous snobs. Who did they think they were, judging Jesus? He was full of wisdom and unusual power. Were they jealous that they themselves…or their son, grandson, or even nephews didn’t get that wisdom and power? Why should this son of a carpenter have it? Just unbelieving that anyone from Nazareth—that dusty little village—could actually be a great teacher. Doubting drains energy. If no one believed, then no miracles could happen. There were few miracles exercised on that trip to Nazareth.

What does that tell us about faith? I think we have to believe—in Jesus as the Son of God…and that He was a man, incarnate God and man. In that belief the power of Jesus is released…and we can ask for healing, for strength, or for wisdom. Ask and we will receive…

At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. John 16:23-27

Ask—it seems pretty simple, but there are a lot of factors involved. Attitude. Action. Faith. God’s will. Just believe. God will take care of you—in His way…at His time. Trust. Trust and Obey.

Prayer ~ Lord, as my day ends…a new day begins for someone in another part of the world. Guide me into a restful sleep…and the person on the other side of the world into decisions that would be pleasing to You. Help us all to have a deeper faith in Jesus. No scoffing for us.

Happy 1st Anniversary to Ben and Elizabeth. 

May God continue to bless 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.

Can You Hear Him? Listen.

One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority." ...The queen of Sheba will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for she came from a distant land to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Now someone greater than Solomon is here—but you refuse to listen. Matthew 12:38, 42

Writing in the sand - Israel

Do you refuse to listen to wisdom? Is it the world’s wisdom…or is it God’s wisdom, like that taught by Solomon, that you don’t hear or see? Do you want a “sign” from God…from Jesus…to show you some miraculous thing so that you will believe or will have greater faith? Are you willing to travel a distance to hear a word of God? Is that distance really short…from your chair to the Internet? Jesus is greater than Solomon. Do you hear His wisdom? He is NOT dead. He is still speaking to us. Can you hear Him? Listen. 

Prayer ~ Lord God, open our ears and hearts to listen to Your voice and truly hear You. May the words of Your heart and the meditations of our minds bring glory to You as we focus on applying Your words to our lives.

© 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 Consider Yourself Wise and Clever?

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way! My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus will give you rest.

Jesus had just spoken to John’s disciples and then a crowd of people about John the Baptist. He also condemned cities He had visited who had not repented. This prayer and invitation to salvation followed. People do think of themselves wise—but what they feel they have is not God’s wisdom. God reveals Himself to whomever He wants and it is not to those who are self-righteous. Jesus said that God shows or reveals, this way of salvation to the childlike…those who are open to accepting the truth. It seems like those who consider themselves wise are creating a barrier between themselves and God—so that they will not learn the truth—Jesus IS the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus told him (Thomas), "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6. The only way to understand the Father God is to understand—to have an open heart to the Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus knows how weary we humans can be…physically and spiritually. He was once a man Himself—so He can identify with us. Come to Him—give all your troubles, burdens, confusion and grief to Him. He has strong shoulders; He can carry your load. What does giving up your burden have to do with being wise? Only those with God’s spiritual wisdom can truly understand what Jesus was saying—come to Him. Seek and receive salvation in Him. Learn from Him, as He comes alongside of you—yoking Himself to you to carry your problems. Perhaps those who consider themselves wise can’t humble themselves enough to look Jesus in the eye and ask for His help. Do you consider yourself wise and clever…or can you humble yourself and seek Jesus’ help through life?

Jesus teaches those who are teachable. He said...Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Find rest...sweet rest. Ahhh--aren't we all looking for that? I am. Rest for my tired and weary bones...and for my soul as well. when I am rested I am more useful to the Lord--I can be of greater, more devoted service. How about you?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, take my burden—my trials, temptations, regrets, and unmet expectations—and guide me in Your way—Your everlasting pathway. May others find strength in You as they ask for spiritual wisdom from the Father…not worldly wisdom.

© 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 You Ever Considered a Ten Day Test?

"Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water," Daniel said. "At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king's food. Then make your decision in light of what you see." The attendant agreed to Daniel's suggestion and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who had been eating the food assigned by the king. So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others. God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams. When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. Daniel 1:12-20

Daniel and the other Jews from Judah had walked about 500 miles to Babylon when King Nebuchadnezzar seized that region. You would think that trek would have given them a tremendous appetite. King Nebuchadnezzar wanted some of the Jewish royal family and nobility to serve in his palace and offered them rich meaty food from his own table and wine to keep them healthy. Daniel was in that group of young men chosen to be put into serve with the king, but he didn’t want to defile himself with royal food and wine. That is where the ten day test came into being. “Keep yourself pure”—no pork or dependence upon the king’s royal food—was Daniel’s goal for himself and his friends. How many of us would give up rich foods offered to us just to honor God’s laws? Have you ever considered a ten day test…just to see if you are healthier on a diet of vegetables and water?

Prayer ~ Lord, give us wisdom to make wise choices when it comes to food. Daniel and his friends were a good example to us—not defiling themselves with rich foods and sweet treats. Help each of us to be strong like Daniel and please give each person reading this blog knowledge and understanding that they can apply to their lives.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

I’ve often wanted to try a vegetarian diet…but it seemed such a challenge to balance the proteins and use just the right herbs to make the food tasty. Thirty some years ago when I was a young officer’s wife in a Wives’ Club gourmet group, I tried a lentil loaf assuming it would be similar to a meat loaf (one of my husband’s favorites). It was terrible…and my guests and I had a good laugh over our “vegetarian” meal experiment, swearing that we would never fix those recipes again! Over the years I’ve had a few vegetarian cookbooks and have discarded all of them, but there are plenty of vegetarian recipes online. Once again I want to try to incorporate more vegetarian dishes into my repertoire and weekly menus. Like Daniel, you and I can eat fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably raw, although steamed or roasted vegetables can be more easily digested.

Was Daniel’s vegetarian diet really just a mere fast from meat, rich foods and wine? It may have been more about being obedient to God and taking care of this “temple” that He has created in us. With that in mind—I challenge you to consider incorporating more vegetarian dishes into your diet…and taking care of this temple that God has created in you. Share with me your favorite vegetarian recipe and tales of your Daniel adventures in foods. For the next ten Fridays…A Daniel Feast.

© 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 Have Ears to Listen and Understand?

When speaking to a crowd about John the Baptist Jesus said …For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't mourn.' For John didn't spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!' But wisdom is shown to be right by its results." Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where He had done so many of His miracles, because they hadn't repented of their sins and turned to God. Matthew 11:13-20

Wisdom. The source of wisdom is Jesus. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; He made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin. 1 Corinthians 1:30. In this Matthew 11 passage Jesus is telling people about John the Baptist—that John was Elijah. Glory! Wisdom is shown to be right by its results. John was the voice of one calling in the wilderness—preparing the way for people to come to Jesus, telling them to repent. But people…this crowd of Jews that Jesus was addressing…didn’t believe John…or Jesus. Jesus also said… Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! That was a recurring statement after several parables that Jesus told… "If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 4:23 NASB. Listen. Listen…and understand. What does it take for us to listen? We have to focus our attention on someone else…use self-control so that our own thoughts don’t get in the way…or take us off on a tangent. Focus. Listen. Understand? To understand is to comprehend what was said…or read, putting things together to make sense. Jesus explained some of His parables to His disciples using that phrase about understanding. And He was saying to them, "To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables, so that WHILE SEEING, THEY MAY SEE AND NOT PERCEIVE, AND WHILE HEARING, THEY MAY HEAR AND NOT UNDERSTAND, OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT RETURN AND BE FORGIVEN." Mark 4:11-12 NASB.

Do we understand what Jesus said in His parable…in His teachings? Listen and understand. Wisdom will reveal to us whatever it is that Jesus is teaching. Ask for wisdom before you read His Word.

Prayer ~ Lord, give us wisdom that we would listen and understand whatever it is that You are teaching. Open our eyes to see, our ears to hear and our hearts and minds to understand.

© 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 Listen Wisely?

"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods

The Rock or the Sand?

come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." Matthew 7:24-27

Whether it is a physical house, or a spiritual house…and whether it is for one person, or for a family, a home needs to be built on a strong foundation. In most cities building inspectors come and make sure that the builder has prepared the forms for the foundation properly even before the concrete is delivered. Then again after the concrete foundation is prepared, inspectors come again to be sure that the house has a proper foundation or alignment. When the house is built in a less populated area, maybe the inspections are not as critical—but they are still necessary. When building a “spiritual” home there needs to be a wise mentor who can help build a good foundation—making sure that a deep relationship with the Lord is the basis of that foundation. Church attendance, Bible studies, scripture memorization and Christian fellowship provide additional depth and support to that spiritual relationship.

How are your spiritual and physical homes? There is not much we can do to the physical home foundation once it is formed, but our spiritual foundation can be strengthened with every decision we make to turn our life over more fully to the Lord. Choose today how deeply you want to serve God—in just a casual way—or from the very depth of your soul.

Listen to Jesus' teachings—be wise. Build your home on the Rock.

Prayer ~ Lord, show us the condition of our foundation with you and give us insight and wisdom in how to make that stronger. We love you and we live to serve you. Amen.

© 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.

By the Power of God

But God made the earth by His power, and He preserves it by His wisdom. With His own understanding He stretched out the heavens. Jeremiah 10:12

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1.

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5.

God is all powerful. His wisdom holds even the atoms of everything together. Job’s friends recognized God’s power. Look, God is all-powerful. Who is a teacher like him? Job 36:22. When facing a war from their enemies' armies King Jehoshaphat of Judah stood before the new courtyard of the Temple in Jerusalem and prayed. O LORD, God of our ancestors, you alone are the God who is in heaven. You are ruler of all the kingdoms of the earth. You are powerful and mighty; no one can stand against you! 2 Chronicles 20:6. Do you and your friends recognize and acknowledge God’s power?

Prayer ~ Lord God—You are all powerful and awesome. You are above all and creator of all of heaven and earth. As a mere human I can only partially comprehend how mighty You are…but I am honored to be part of Your family. I know that You have a plan for my life…and for that of my family and friends. Into Your capable and powerful hands I commit myself, as well as my family and friends. May we make decisions that 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.

Don’t Boast

This is what the LORD says: "Don't let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches." Jeremiah 9:23

Boast—to speak with exaggeration and excessive pride, especially about oneself or to speak of with excessive pride or vanity.

Boast no more so very proudly, do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and with Him actions are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:3

The king of Israel sent back this answer: "A warrior putting on his sword for battle should not boast like a warrior who has already won." 1 Kings 20:11

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died. Galatians 6:14

Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:9

Don’t boast—wise, powerful or rich. That’s what the Lord wants. God wants His followers to be…humble. The dandelion, a mere weed, is showy, but humble. Humble is pretty much opposite of boastful. Humble servants. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:26-28. Do you see yourself as a humble servant for the Lord?

  

Prayer ~ Lord on this Memorial Day, let us remember those who have gone before us…who have given their lives to humbly serve 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.  

Comfort the Weary

The Sovereign LORD has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will. Isaiah 50:4

Badger Mt Phlox

The greatest Comforter of the weary to me is Jesus, in the Holy Spirit who is known as The Comforter. Jesus promised…Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. There is so much in life that makes us weary…jobs, kids, time conflicts, housework, commuting, traffic jams or road rage, confusion, and just unmet expectation. Life is tough. God’s wisdom in us and through us can certainly make a difference. Sometimes just a smile can be encouraging…and help those along the way who are struggling. I try to climb Badger Mountain near my home at least one a week. The elevation is 1,593 feet at the top although the Canyon Trail is only about an 800 foot ascent from the parking lot. It is pretty steep in several places and a lot of people hiking it are huffing and puffing. Giving them a “you can make it” or even just a smile of encouragement always helps those who already weary in their hike up the hillside. Even the plants seem to give an encouraging smile as we hike by them. God knows what we need.  

How can you come alongside of someone who is struggling spiritually—weary with their load? Having a verse of encouragement is a good start. This one from Jesus in Matthew 11:28 has been good for me—lifting weight off my shoulders immediately when I hear it quoted.  What verse has encouraged you? Is there a verse that the Lord brings to your mind as you wake each morning?

Prayer ~ Lord, give us ears to hear You speak to us that we would be an encouragement to the weary souls around us. May we all cast our burdens on You…knowing that You care about us more than we know. Thank You for Your mercy and grace in our lives that is new every morning.

© 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.

Babylon’s Wisdom or Lack of it Revealed

You felt secure in your wickedness. 'No one sees me,' you said. But your 'wisdom' and 'knowledge' have led you astray, and you said, 'I am the only one, and there is no other.' Isaiah 47:10

God’s chosen people weren’t perfect. They were disobedient…like most children…and so God punished them by allowing them to be taken away—out of the Promised Land—by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Here in the passage above Isaiah was writing to the Babylonians who had taken the Hebrew people captive. In order to better understand a passage it is usually always good to read the verses before and after a particular scripture selection. Reading all of Isaiah and also the book of Daniel would be helpful in this case. The whole Bible is so interconnected that you may even need to read Jeremiah and Leviticus, as well as 1 and 2 Kings to get an understanding of that historical era and the Israelites response to God. 

O beautiful Babylon, sit now in darkness and silence. Never again will you be known as the queen of kingdoms. For I was angry with my chosen people and punished them by letting them fall into your hands. But you, Babylon, showed them no mercy. You oppressed even the elderly. You said, 'I will reign forever as queen of the world!' You did not reflect on your actions or think about their consequences. Listen to this, you pleasure-loving kingdom, living at ease and feeling secure. You say, 'I am the only one, and there is no other. I will never be a widow or lose my children.' Well, both these things will come upon you in a moment: widowhood and the loss of your children. Yes, these calamities will come upon you, despite all your witchcraft and magic. You felt secure in your wickedness. 'No one sees me,' you said. But your 'wisdom' and 'knowledge' have led you astray, and you said, 'I am the only one, and there is no other.' So disaster will overtake you, and you won't be able to charm it away. Calamity will fall upon you, and you won't be able to buy your way out. A catastrophe will strike you suddenly, one for which you are not prepared. Isaiah 47:5-11.

Clearly the Israelites disobeyed God in not observing His commandments—particularly that concerning the resting of the land. How often do we actually obey…or disobey…the Ten Commandments? When was the last time that you truly observed the entire Sabbath day? What day do you celebrate the Sabbath…Saturday or Sunday? Do you begin at sundown on the previous day? Do you cook or go out to eat, forcing someone else to cook for you? When is their Sabbath day? Life is complicated. How do we honor God? Are we making wise choices?

Prayer ~ Lord God, give me wisdom and grace to follow Your commands…not as a ritual or in a rote manner to the letter of the Law. Guide me in my choices and decisions in such a way that our relationship is not broken, but that it is enhanced and that You are honored.

© 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.

Rejoice!

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Words of wisdom. This was a favorite verse of a dear friend of ours—John Foster—who went to be with the Lord five years ago and for whom Jerry had a lot of respect. So this scripture has become Jerry’s favorite verse, too. We will rejoice—today! It is Jer’s birthday and what better way to celebrate…to rejoice…than to focus on God and His wisdom that He share through others to us. John was such a good example—man after God’s own heart. He encouraged his family, friends, and fellow church members with his loving ways, always guiding, comforting, and sharing his life, his time, talents, challenging everyone to seek God and to be the best that they could be. Just as we can model our behavior after Paul…and of course after Jesus himself, we can see patterns of behavior in others around us that inspire us to be better people.

Our friend, Mel, is another person whom Jerry and I admire and in whom we rejoice that God has him in our life. Mel and Jerry grew up together and Mel was the Best Man in our wedding. About twenty years ago he was in an auto accident that resulted in back surgery and left him a paraplegic. He has such an amazingly positive attitude that has kept him going through multiple surgeries, illnesses, and setbacks. In his wisdom…God’s wisdom…he chooses to think positively and to have a good attitude about his circumstances. That initial choice when he knew he’d never walk again but he would make the most of it was a key decision point in his life. God was with him then…and continues to guide him every day now. He keeps on going…keeps on smiling. He is a joy to be around…a blessing to all who know him. We’re looking forward to seeing him again this summer…and eating some good Czech food from the Bohemian Café in Omaha together. Rejoice! Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4

Prayer ~ Lord, may we continually rejoice in Your love and grace. Bless Jerry in this coming year…and always. May our family and friends rejoice also…and make good decisions in all that they do and say.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

The highlight of Jerry’s day is a good meal—especially a Czech one. His favorite place to visit for special meals is his hometown, Omaha, Nebraska. Home of good steaks, La Casa’s pizza, Joe Tess’ fried carp or catfish, and most beloved—The Bohemian Café—where they serve up large portions of boiled beef with dill gravy, bread dumplings, sauerkraut, and sweet and sour cabbage. 

Sweet-Sour Cabbage

1 head cabbage, chopped or shredded

1 tsp salt –preferably Himalayan

1 small onion, diced

½ tsp caraway seed, optional

2 cups water

2 Tbsp butter

2 tsp sugar

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or more)

Cook cabbage, salt, onion and caraway seed in 2 cups of water until tender. Drain and add butter, sugar and vinegar. Cook to blend. Cabbage may be thickened with flour if desired. The longer the cabbage cooks in the sweet and sour sauce, the better it becomes. Our daughter, Lisa, kept some of this recipe warming in a crock-pot for about six hours and it was some of the best sweet and sour cabbage we’d ever had. Jerry’s folks were still living then and it was for a special Czech dinner that Lisa fixed just for them. Another variation of this adds 1 apple, peeled and chopped, and cooked along with the cabbage and onion. 

Serve with Boiled Beef, Dumplings, Dill Gravy and Rye Bread. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Jerry!

I am blessed to be your wife.

© 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

Did You Find Your Treasure in the Lord?

In that day He will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6

In that day…what day? The day…the time that Christ’s kingdom is established with the New Jerusalem as the center. Jesus is our salvation—now. He is the source of knowledge and wisdom—providing us with a stable and righteous foundation. What more can we ask or expect? Of course, He has our respect. My study Bible references Matthew 6:33 for treasure. I love the song that was written from this scripture.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33. Along the same thought…Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:20-21. We love and respect the things…and people…that we hold dear to our hearts…that we treasure. I personally treasure relationships more than things. I do treasure my relationship with the Lord. Without Him my life would be meaningless and likely filled with anxiety. With Him, I find peace, joy and contentment. Yes, just as Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, …Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13. Verse 13 is the key verse…I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 NASB. Find your strength in the Lord.

Prayer ~ Lord God, continue to fill me with contentment in whatever circumstances that I find myself. Your love never fails—I find new joy in You every morning. You, Jesus, are my treasure...my  salvation—as well as my source of knowledge and wisdom. May You continually be glorified in all that I 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.

The Lord’s Wisdom

In His wisdom, the LORD will send great disaster; He will not change His mind. He will rise against the wicked and against their helpers. Isaiah 31:2

God is wisdom. Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways! Romans 11:33.  God doesn’t change His mind. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17. He shows compassion to those who respond to His love… The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him." The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:22-25 NASB

We shouldn’t take this scripture out of context—it was prophetic and historical. The wicked, evil people deserved the disaster that Isaiah was predicting. Do people today who don’t follow the Lord’s way, are wicked…or that worship idols…deserve to have a great disaster?

Do we seek God and His wisdom? The best source of God’s wisdom today is our Bible. Some things change…or fade away…but God’s Word never changes.

Prayer ~ Lord God, continue to inspire us through Your Word. It is fresh every morning. How do You do that? Over the thousands of years…it is still giving us insight, knowledge and best of all…Your Wisdom. Give us grace to understand Your Word more deeply and thus to comprehend more of You each day. Bless us as we seek to know and serve 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.

How Do You Worship the Lord?

And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. Because of this, I will once again astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders. The wisdom of the wise will pass away, and the intelligence of the intelligent will disappear." Isaiah 29:13-14

Temple Model - Jerusalem

How do you worship the Lord? David gave advice to his son, Solomon. And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve Him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek Him, you will find Him. But if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9. This is the best advice…wise guidance.

Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that people—true worshipers—should worship in spirit and in truth—with their whole hearts. But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24.

Give God your total attention in worship. To me that’s what it means to worship in spirit and truth. Don’t get distracted by people moving about the sanctuary. You can worship anywhere…anytime. God is disappointed by man-made worship “rules” and surface level honor. Get to the heart of God…let Him deep within your heart and life…abide...moment by moment. Don’t wait until Sunday. Seek and honor Him every day.

Prayer ~ Lord God, You are worthy of my praise and worship. I want to honor You in everything I think, do and say. I am so excited that I have found You. Actually it was You who called me and I responded. Just as You have promised to never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5)…I promise to never leave You or forsake You. I look forward to a long time relationship…eternally…with 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

Trust in the Lord

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8

What a promise! He will show you where to go—which path to take. If we love God and obey His commandments, showing His love by loving one another…then others will know we are Christian—as written in John 13:34-35. Jesus said…So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

How do we show our love? By respecting others, by giving up our own selfish attitude—thus self-sacrificing our time, talents or possessions to serve others. In serving others we are taking on Christ’s attitude.

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…. Philippians 2:1-5 NASB.

So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude He had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won't spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2

Cartwheel Kiddo

Seek His will in all that you do. What is the will of God?  Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21. Jesus said to a crowd that followed Him to Capernaum. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see His Son and believe in Him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day. John 6:38-40. Seek God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Seek to know His Son, Jesus. Then… Trust in the LORD with all your heart….

Ten years ago we sat and waited for our first grandchild…a grandson…to be born. Trusting God for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. God was gracious and faithful…and it has been a wonderful ten years of joy, laughter, learning and fun sharing in the life of that beloved child. The Cartwheel Kiddo. Thank You, God.

Prayer ~ Lord God…I trust You. I acknowledge that You, Jesus, are the Son of God—and You are my Savior…my Messiah. Direct my path…my thoughts…and my actions that everything I do and say may bring You glory. Bless, guide, direct and fill with Your love the heart, soul and mind of those I love. May they honor You.

Happy Birthday, Zander.

May God continue to bless and guide you.  Love You Much.

© 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.

Wisdom for Growth

Listen to me; listen, and pay close attention. Does a farmer always plow and never sow? Is he forever cultivating the soil and never planting? ... The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding. ... The LORD of Heaven's Armies is a wonderful teacher, and He gives the farmer great wisdom. Isaiah 28:23-24, 26, 29

It is the time of the year for gardeners as well as farmers to get their seeds and plants into the ground. I planted…and then replanted after a kiddo thought my raised garden bed was his digging bin. Oops. Those bean and zucchini sprouts would have never survived to become plants! Now we’re looking forward to some good zucchini this summer. The farms around here—many with grape vineyards, apples trees, potatoes, wheat, and corn—are all green and growing. We’ve had a wet spring for our semi-desert area that usually gets less than ten inches of rain a year. God provides wisdom and understanding to the farmers—to water just the right amount—considering the rain, what to plant and when to plant—and how to care for his crops. Technology has advanced so much in the past twenty years and computers are an important part of a farmer’s tool bag. That technology is part of God’s plan. God has a plan for each of us.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Just has He gave and gives wisdom to the farmers, He will give each of us wisdom…if we pray and ask for it. Pray—He’ll listen. Look for Him and you will find Him. His promises are as old as the Old Testament—and as new and fresh as our imaginations can conjure up an image of the possibilities. Endless. Listen. There is wisdom available for growth…for each of us and for plants.

Prayer ~ Lord, grant us Your grace and fill us with Your wisdom that we would use the understanding that You provide to reach others for 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.

Spirit of Wisdom

And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2

Isaiah provides us with a prophesy of Jesus as the Messiah. The Spirit of wisdom and understanding will rest on Him. Will rest on Him…and it came to pass. Jesus did have the Spirit of Wisdom rest on Him. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; He made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin. 1 Corinthians 1:30. Counsel—providing advice and purpose. This also comes from the LORD of hosts, who has made His counsel wonderful and His wisdom great. Isaiah 28:29 NASB. The Spirit of knowledge—Jesus knows everything. He is the Messiah.

Like Paul prayed for the people at the church of Ephesus… I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called--His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. Ephesians 1:16-18.  

Prayer ~ Lord God, I lift up my family, friends and all who read this blog that You would give them complete knowledge of Your will and spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9.

© 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