Keeping the Sabbath

And it happened that He was passing through the grain fields on the Sabbath, and His disciples began to make their way along while picking the heads of grain. The Pharisees were saying to Him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?" And He said to them, "Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions became hungry; how he entered the house of God in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the consecrated bread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat except the priests, and he also gave it to those who were with him?" Jesus said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."  Mark 2:23-28 NASB. Also in Matthew 12:1-8.

The story of David eating the showbread, the consecrated bread, is in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. This special bread was given to David to preserve his life, and that of the men with him, although with a closer look at the story it seems that David may have been alone as he lied to Abiathar about being there on the king’s business. The story of Abiathar goes on in the next chapter of Samuel with King Saul commanding the death of that priest and eighty-four other priests because they gave bread to David. Such brutality over bread. You might argue that it was special bread consecrated to God—but was that worth eighty-five people losing their lives? I would like to think that God is more merciful—but Saul was vengeful.

The showbread was to be eaten before the face of God—in His presence, to enjoy His hospitality. It is a way of saying, Lord I want to be transformed by seeing your face. The bread was replaced daily with fresh bread and that bread given to David was “day old” bread. We are depending on God for survival and fellowship with God is necessary. Don’t be satisfied with an old moldy relationship with the Lord. Make it a fresh daily. One commentary I read said that human traditions are never more important than God’s word itself. I agree. God didn’t forbid people other than priests eating the showbread. It was just a sacred tradition, and Leviticus 24:9 tells us that the showbread was to be eaten in a holy place by the priest.

Are we so caught up in daily life that we forget about keeping the Sabbath that was made for us, as Jesus reminds us with those red letter words? God created man on the sixth day and then He rested on the seventh day of creation. See Genesis 1:26-Genesis 2: 3. The celebration of the Sabbath is an awkward thing for some Christians. Do we celebrate the Sabbath on the day of Jesus resurrection, Sunday, or on Saturday in keeping with the Ten Commandments given to Moses? Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the LORD your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:8-11 NASB. No work on Saturday or Sunday seems impossible for most of us. How do we wisely honor God with this Sabbath question?   

Prayer ~ Dear Lord—Show us how and when to celebrate the Sabbath for we want to worship and honor You. Is every day the Sabbath day?

From September 30, 2012 Banquet With The King blog.

© 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.

Worship Wisely

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!" And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. They sang, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen." Revelation 7:9-12

Even the angels recognized that wisdom was a quality that belonged to God. Like us, He created the angels and His wisdom is far above theirs or ours. The crowd viewing the throne stood in worship of God …while the angels humbly with their faces to the ground also worshiped God. Everyone was worshipping. Heaven will be glorious for the time of worship. Singing and praising. God will finally have the relationship He created man to have with Him. Pure and focused. All the crowd of people—to great to count—will be worshipping God—acknowledging His wisdom, power, glory and love.

We don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to worship God—we don’t even have to wait until Sunday. We can give Him the praise that is due Him every day…in every minute of every day. God wants us to worship Him. Through Moses He actually commanded the Hebrew people to worship Him alone.

You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. Exodus 20:5

God expressed that worship should be a family thing. If parents worship another god, then likewise the children will…and they will be punished.

Additionally, Jesus taught that we are to worship in truth. 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. What, who or how are you worshipping today?

 

Prayer ~ Lord God, I worship You. You alone are worthy of praise and glory for You are an awesome and righteous God—with power, wisdom, grace, mercy and love. May all who read this draw others to You and may glory fill your heaven now and forever.

© 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.

He is Knocking at Your Door

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Revelation 3:20

Imagine how wonderful it would be to have Jesus Himself knock at your door and you invite Him in to join you and your family or friends for supper—or just the two of you alone. What a wonderful experience. Think about how it was for His two followers who met Him along the road to Emmaus just after His resurrection. How they had such a great discussion as they walked…and then He broke bread—had supper with them. When I was growing up there was a picture hanging in my Grandparents house of Jesus knocking at a door—but there was no door knob on the door. It is a classic picture. I’m sure you’ve seen it before. It was explained to me at an early age that that was Jesus knocking at the door to my heart—and the door could only be opened from the inside. Each person had to answer Jesus knock and invite Him into their home…their heart. Have you heard Jesus knocking at the door of your heart? How have you responded to Him? What will you serve at a meal with Him?

Prayer ~ Jesus, welcome to my heart and my home. Please come in and share a meal with me. The spiritual food that You have inspired in Your word is the precious food of my meal with You.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Fish Tacos are a favorite of mine and I have tried them at probably eight different Mexican food restaurants. Here’s a recipe that I enjoy. I hope you will love it, too.

Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa  - serves 4

Mango Salsa

1 cup chopped fresh mango – about one large mango or a couple of smaller ones

3 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (substitute parsley if preferred)

¼ large red onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped – use more or less to taste

1 fresh lime, squeezed

Combine all ingredients and chill about an hour before serving.

Fish Tacos

1 pound fresh caught halibut or other firm wild white fish

1 tsp olive oil

8 fresh corn tortillas

1 cup cabbage shredded, can be red or green cabbage, or a mixture

1 can white or black beans, rinsed

1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

1 fresh lime, cut in wedges

Drizzle olive oil on fish and grill on a hot grill for about 8 minutes per side, until done. Meanwhile, warm corn tortillas for 5-10 minutes in a 350 degree oven or on a skillet until the tortillas are pliable. Layer fish, beans, salsa, and cabbage in warm tortillas. Top with sour cream or yogurt and a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish with more cilantro.

Happy Anniversary, Lisa & Kim.  Love &Blessings!

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

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

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Look Again

Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. And they sang in a mighty chorus: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered—to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing." Revelation 5:11-12

John looked again. There were angels surrounding the throne of God and singing. What a wonderful sight to behold! But what is four living creature…with seven horns and seven eyes…and seven Spirits of God (v. 6) all about?

A Lamb Without Spot or Blemish

Can One Perfect One Be Found?

Worthy is The Lamb

Some of John’s experience…his revelation from Jesus about the end of time and heaven…must have been a bit frightening and nightmarish. Even as people read Revelation today they struggle to understand it. This part is not really scary. It is comforting. Angels singing around God’s throne. One day we will be there. Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is Jesus our Lord and Savior. The prayers of the saints haven’t been lost or forgotten…they are in golden bowls there in Heaven. I long to sing a new song there in Heaven with the saints and angels. Worthy is the Lamb. Will you be there at the throne of God—singing praises and worshipping our Lord? If you don’t know for sure, now is the time to consider your relationship with the Lord…or to establish one by asking Him into your heart and life.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, You are worthy of our praise. Some of what You revealed to John in Heaven is confusing, but I trust You for You are Wise, Powerful, Worthy and live forever. I praise You.

Happy Anniversary, Joe & Deb.  Blessings!

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

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

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Glory to God

Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into His glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to Him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. Jude 1:24-25

Some translations, like NKJV, say that God alone is wise…

To God our Savior,

Who alone is wise,

Be glory and majesty,

Dominion and power,

Both now and forever. Amen. Jude 1:25 NKJV

Here near the end of the Bible we are reminded again that God alone is wise. He mercifully gives us wisdom. He is a good God. Jesus encouraged His followers to be wise. Just after the Sermon on the Mount, He told the parable about the wise man who built his house on the rock…and the foolish man who built his house on the sand. See Matthew 7:24-27. Hear His words and obey. Be wise.

Prayer ~ Jesus, while visiting family we survived a nearby physical storm, Hermine. During that I felt privileged to have been reminded of Your spiritual protection for us. We give You the glory. Our spiritual house is securely built on Your commands…Love God, love those around you, love yourself. Love and obedience are the keys to a blessed life. Open the eyes and soften the hearts of those who are stubborn and are not listening to Your words of wisdom.

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

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

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Are you seeking God, giving Him glory and building your life His way?

Keep Yourselves Safe

Which gate will you choose? 

Mount of the Beatitudes - Israel

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God's love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:20-23

Be wise. Be cautious. Help others, but don’t get caught up in their sins. The sins that contaminate their lives. Keep yourself safe. Continually surround yourself with God’s word…with His plan. I find that I want to surround myself with friends who seek God…who live righteous holy lives. I know from long ago past friendships that even well-meaning friends can drag you down the wrong path. When I was in college, my roommates and I often said on Friday and Saturday nights...“You guys we’ve got to do something!” We didn’t always make wise choices, but we didn’t just sit around. Today, we consider options. We sit around and ponder what we could do, should do or what we could have, would have, should have done. All in all I think we make wiser choices. Maybe that just comes with age…but I’d like to think that God is giving us some wisdom to make wise choices. Choices that honor Him. How about you? Do you make wise choices?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, help us to make wise choices and to be safe in God’s love.

© 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.

Are you waiting on the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life?

Resurrection – to Life or to Judgment

Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment. John 5:25-29 NASB

The choice is yours—resurrection to life or resurrection to judgment. Make a wise choice.

There is an encouraging passage in 1 Thessalonians about dead in Christ rising. It describes the rapture. But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NASB

We’ll always be with the Lord! What a wonderful thought. Feast on those words—savor them. Those are tasty words. Always. What a promise! Those who are married have promised “til death do us part….” Always is even longer than that. Forever—eternally. But pay close attention to the John 5:25-29 passage. It says that all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and be resurrected either to life or to judgment. Everyone who has ever lived will be resurrected. There has to be a relationship to Jesus to be resurrected to life and “escape” judgment. No one else escapes. Not someone who has lived a good life, but doesn’t know Jesus as their savior. Not someone who has given lots of money to the church or to charity. Not someone who is kind and good to everyone and to animals. Jesus also tells us pointedly that those who have done evil things will be judged. Where do you fit in this?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus—You have the most difficult job ever—judging others. I ask that you will forgive my sins today and lead me in your righteous way that I might not sin against you. In that day of resurrection let me be found pleasing to you and then able to live with you forever in your glorious Heaven.

From October 9, 2012 Banquet With The King blog.

© 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.

Signs of the Times

Read Matthew 24:1-51 Verse 30  “…and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.”

Sunrise is the best time of day. I haven’t actually seen the sun rise lately, since I’ve been staying up too late at night to rise that early in the morning. For a couple of years when I was in High School I worked on my uncle’s farm moving irrigation sprinklers. It was hard work, but it paid well and I got to see the sun rise every morning. Now each day when I wake up I look outside to check the weather. On cloudless days I often say to myself—no clouds, Jesus won’t be coming back today. Some mornings the clouds and sunlight breaking through the clouds give an amazing preview of what it might be like when Jesus returns. Are those just for practice? Listen. Do you hear any trumpets? Clouds move so quickly, things change. Matthew 24:36-39 tells us it will be like in Noah’s day before the flood when they were eating and drinking until the day that Noah entered the ark. They didn’t understand.

In Acts 1:11, when Jesus ascended into heaven on a cloud, two angels stood beside the disciples and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” we have the assurance from Jesus himself that He will come back in a cloud.

Keep your eyes on the clouds. We don’t know the hour or the day, only the Heavenly Father knows the exact time of Jesus’ return. We’ve been warned—be prepared—“be on the alert” and "see to it that no one misleads you." For centuries people have thought that Jesus would return during their lifetime. When I was younger, I did, too. I’ve searched scriptures and tried to understand God’s timing. Many have taught that once Israel is back in their land (Palestine) that Jesus would soon return. Israel came back into the Promised Land as a nation in 1948. There have been wars and rumors of wars around the world continually—and birth pangs worldwide, like unusual earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, yet Jesus has not yet returned. Not everyone has heard of Him.

The clouds in the morning and evening are often brilliant and spectacular here in the western states. This photo was taken in western Montana. Is this God’s warm-up, His rehearsal for the glory of Jesus return? Remember that before Jesus returns there will be tribulation. Be strong and endure. After that Jesus will meet us in the air—that great rapture we’ve all heard about in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. The word “rapture” is not in scripture, but is a Greek word for taken up. See you “in the air” in the glory of the cloud when Jesus comes to snatch us.


Prayer ~ Lord, help us to “be prepared” day by day, to be obedient and to share your love with others.

From April 13, 2012 Banquet With The King blog.

© 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 Jesus Lord of your life?

Scoffers in the Last Times

These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want. But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God's Spirit in them. Jude 1:16-19

Are we in the Last Times? Some people think that we are getting very close to Jesus return for His church…the Rapture. So many Biblical prophesies have been fulfilled on Jewish Feast days. The next unfulfilled prophesy is the Feast of Trumpets that occurs on Rosh Hashanah. This year that feast day occurs on October 2. Jesus told His disciples that no one knows the hour or the day…let alone the year. So we don’t know what year this will occur. We do know that other prophesies were fulfilled on Jewish Feast days.

Feast Name	Jewish Date	Hebrew	Fulfilled
Passover Leviticus 23:5	Nisan 14 (April or May)	Pesach	Christ was the Passover lamb. Christ the Passover – 1Corinthians 5:7
Unleavened Bread Leviticus 23:6	Nisan 15	Hag-Ha-Matzot	Jesus said…"I am the Bread of life." John 6:48
Firstfruits Leviticus 23:11-14	Starts the day after the Sabbath following Passover.	Bikkurim	"But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep." 1 Cor. 15:20
Feast of Weeks Leviticus 23:15-16	Starts 50 days after Firstfruits (May or June)	Shavuot	Holy Spirit came to the Christians at Pentecost (Acts 2)
Trumpets Leviticus 23:24	Tishri 1 (Sept. or Oct.) October 2, 2016	Rosh Hashanah	[Not fulfilled]
Day of Atonement  Leviticus 23:27	Tishri 10	Yom Kippur	[Not fulfilled]
Tabernacles Leviticus 23:34	Tishri 15	Succoth	[Not fulfilled]

Jesus said…So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. Matthew 24:42-44. Be ready. What can you do to “be ready?”

Prayer ~ Jesus, I eagerly anticipate to Your return. I’m scanning the sky waiting and watching. You’ve given us some beautiful sunrises, sunsets and rainbows. Awesome. No scoffing here.

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

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

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Is Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life?  Read John 3.

Do You Scoff at the Supernatural?

In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses' body.) But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion. Jude 1:8-11

Understanding the supernatural is a God given gift with wisdom. There is a world out there that we do not see—nor understand. Jude tells us that people ridicule things they don’t understand—like the unseen world and supernatural beings. Paul writes about that unseen world.

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. Ephesians 6:12.

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:15-16.

Jesus was visible to everyone when He was here on earth. Once He ascended into heaven, He became invisible to us, for now, but we have the hope that Jesus is coming again and every eye will see Him.

Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. Revelation 1:7 NASB

We’ll see the supernatural. Will our eyes be opened to see both good and evil in the supernatural realm? It is very reassuring to lots of people that God’s angels watch over and protect us—although we generally can’t see them.

For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. Psalm 91:11

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrews 13:2 NLT

So will you scoff at the supernatural…or have a little respect for what we just cannot see?

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, give us wisdom to recognize the forces of good and evil supernatural influences around us and to put on every piece of God's armor so we will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle we will still be standing firm. (Ephesians 6:13). No scoffing here.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

People scoff at the unknown…and consider how the Hebrew people balked at the food and water issues during the exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. They must have had really good food and water in

Egypt because they were certainly picky along the exodus route. God took good care of them—especially considering there probably were a couple of million people traveling together. That meant there had to be a lot of food available. God even gave them food of the angels.

Because they did not believe in God and did not trust in His salvation. Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of heaven; He rained down manna upon them to eat and gave them food from heaven. Man did eat the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance. Psalm 78:22-25 NASB

Bread of angels. What was that like? Do you suppose that it had bacon in it? Doubtful since God put pork on the Jew’s Do Not Eat list. Saturday is National Bacon Day. What is your favorite way to eat bacon? My husband has wanted to try a bacon milkshake…so this one’s for him.

Bacon Milkshake

3 Tablespoon maple syrup

2 slices cooked bacon

2 cups ice cream, flavor of your choice, vanilla is always good

½ cup milk

Warm up the maple syrup for 15 seconds in the microwave. Break up one piece of bacon and stir it into the syrup. This will infuse the bacon flavor into the syrup. In a blender, mix the milk and syrup with the bacon. Add the ice cream. Blend. Pour into two large glasses. Crumple the second piece of bacon on top to garnish. Serve and enjoy.    (Adapted from Betty Crocker.)

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

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

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No Wisdom in Sinning

I (Jude) am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to His holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God's marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude 1:1-4

Immoral lives. Image that happening 2000 years ago. Things have not changed much. There were ungodly people then…and there are ungodly people now misusing God’s word…stretching it to say that we can do anything and be forgiven. True, God will forgive us, but that doesn’t mean we can deliberately sin. Paul states it clearly in his letter to the church at Rome.

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace. Well then, since God's grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Romans 6:14-15.

The Gossips

There is no wisdom in continuing to sin. May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. Jude was trying to encourage believers not to let immoral people influence them into living sinful lives. Where do you stand with the Lord? Have you been saved? Do you rely on Him to help you keep your life holy and pure? Or have you been influenced by immoral people in your church to keep on sinning?

There is wisdom in obedience and in defending the faith that God has given to His people—Jews and Gentiles.

Prayer ~ Dear God, please give us more and more mercy, peace, and love. Fill us with Your wisdom that we would be able to defend the faith that You have given us…and live in a godly way, righteous, that is pleasing to You and brings glory to Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

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

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Another Warning

I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:17-18

Knowledge is so closely related to wisdom. Without wisdom there is no knowledge and without knowledge wisdom is useless. It all comes from the Lord anyway.

For the LORD grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6.

I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ Himself. In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 NLT

Peter was warning new Christian Jews not to be deceived by wicked, evil people, but to get knowledge of Jesus Christ. He is the source of wisdom and knowledge. With the power of spiritual knowledge the Christian Jews would be able to stand up for the truth of Jesus and not be misled by some immoral people wanting to get the better of them. Be on guard. They should be putting on their armor. An exercise we should all do daily—even today—for there are evil people here and now wanting to deceive Christians.

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. Ephesians 6:10-18

If you are a believer…put on your armor. If you are not a believer…seek Jesus as your Savior. As Jesus told Nicodemus…"I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God."  John 3:3. He was talking about a spiritual birth. Read John 3 for more details. Then decide for yourself…everyone has a choice.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, Thank you for providing a warning so Christian Jews will not be deceived by corrupt deceivers. Help those who have just heard about You…or who have been struggling with choosing You as their Savior…to have wisdom and understanding that they would make the right choice. I chose You as my Savior over forty years ago…and have never been sorry. You are with me always…and just as You have promised to never leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5), I promise to never leave You or forsake 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

Lord’s Patience and Salvation

And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. 2 Peter 3:15-16

STOP.

Caution: Do Not Twist Others’ Words. Some people may need a sign that directs them not to distort Jesus or Paul’s writings. Think before you interpret what the Bible says. The key is to PRAY. Seek God’s wisdom before you tell someone what you think God means. Read the passage above again.

And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved.

Time to be saved. God is so good. He is patient with people. He doesn’t force Himself or His plan for salvation on us. He’s given us free choice. On the other hand…He has chosen us. Jesus said...You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:16.

I’ve always loved that since I first heard it…He chose me. Everyone wants to be chosen…to be loved, unconditionally. Just think how you felt when you were in grade school and they were choosing teams. Were you among the first the first to be chosen? I never was, but Jesus has chosen me…us…to be on His team. That makes me a fan of His. I’m one of those the Lord had patience with—He waited on me...let me take my time to accept Him as my Savior. No pressure. If you haven’t made a decision for Him…He’s patiently waiting on you, too. What are you waiting for? No STOP sign ahead.

Prayer ~ Jesus, thanks for having patience with me…and with others as they consider their choice for You as their Savior. Salvation is the most important decision anyone can make in their lives, so I thank you that You don’t push them. You are good. You are my God.

© 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 is Pure

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17

Wisdom. Do we ever have enough? As James wrote, the wisdom from above is pure. Pure—unadulterated. Pure—without sin, like Jesus. Ah, yes. Jesus is wisdom. Interesting how this list resembles the qualities of the Spirit… But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23. Along with no favoritism. God does not show favoritism.

There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:9-11  

It is so reassuring to know that the Heavenly Father doesn’t have “favorites.” He treats everyone the same.

Some parents treat some of their children differently. I always thought that my sister was my parents’ favorite—she could do no wrong. They were so pleased with her—perfect grades, perfect pitch in music—and loved to practice the piano, perfect teeth, and always got along with others in school. She didn’t even have acne. No wonder she was their favorite. Life doesn’t always end up perfect for the perfect. She died twenty-six years ago. Just being near perfect won’t get us to heaven. God didn’t show her favoritism, but it is certain that we will see her in heaven someday. She believed in Jesus as her Savior. Jesus said…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 6:40. I’ll be seeing Jesus…and my sister…in heaven—will you?

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, shower us with Your wisdom that is pure and perfect, that we would be peace loving, always gentle, merciful, willing to put others first and do good deeds that we would bring You glory and honor. We so look forward to seeing You in Heaven.

© 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 Selfish Ambition in Your Heart?

But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. James 3:14-16

James, who happens to be a half-brother of our Lord Jesus, hit the spot when he wrote that jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. His wisdom is peaceable and loving…not at all part of the sinful nature, as described in Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21.

Paul goes on to teach more about the Holy Spirit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 NLT

Again, instead of the evil and sinful world, focus on the good, the true, and the lovely. One of my favorite verses is…

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8.

Focus. Fix your thoughts. Let your ambitions be honorable…not selfish.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, guard our hearts from jealously and selfish ambition. May we be filled with Your wisdom as well as with the kindness, goodness, faithfulness, patience, gentleness, self-control, peace, patience and love of the Holy Spirit…sharing that love with those around us.

© 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.

Prove It!

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

Road to "Hell's Half Acre"

Prove it! That’s what kids will say to each other when they don’t believe what somebody said. If you’re wise…if you’re so smart and understand God’s ways—prove it. Live an honorable life. Obediently do what God says you should do. Humbly do good works. Prove it!

How can you prove it? Live a decent life, worthy of God’s praise—following His ways...His commands. Righteous living. I don’t think we can really do that without God’s intervention, His grace, and guidance in our lives. Try as we might—we just can’t be good enough. When God blesses us with His wisdom and understanding we want to do good. Good works and the desire to do them flow out of us from and for the Lord. Those good works won’t get us into heaven. Jesus taught…"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. Only way to heaven is Jesus—so the good works don’t count—at least they cannot be considered in regards to attaining approval to enter heaven. Heaven is a wonderful place. That is a line from a song that was popular for children in the 1980’s. It is filled with glory and grace. I want to go there. I do want to go there. It’s a wise choice to choose to follow Jesus…to obey Him. Can you do that, too? Prove It!

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, please pour out Your wisdom on us that we would live in an honorable way—bringing You honor and glory—humbly doing good works.

© 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