Neglecting Others?

"But woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the respectful greetings in the market places. Woe to you! For you are like concealed tombs, and the people who walk over them are unaware of it." One of the lawyers said to Him in reply, "Teacher, when You say this, You insult us too." But He said, "Woe to you lawyers as well! For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear, while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Luke 11:42-46 NASB

"What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things. What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you love to sit in the seats of honor in the synagogues and receive respectful greetings as you walk in the marketplaces. Yes, what sorrow awaits you! For you are like hidden graves in a field. People walk over them without knowing the corruption they are stepping on." "Teacher," said an expert in religious law, "you have insulted us, too, in what you just said." "Yes," said Jesus, "what sorrow also awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden. Luke 11:42-46 NLT

These scripture are from the same passage…just different translations. The Pharisees wanted everyone to be as strict about the Law as they were—even down to tithing from the sale of garden herbs like mint. That is pretty picky. Yet they didn’t want to help those in need. No compassion. Jesus was very compassionate—healing and helping people, no matter what day of the week it was or who they were—Jew or Gentile. He was warning the Pharisees—sorrow awaits you. I think they could expect to be sad because they were critical and not willing to help others. There was one expert who boldly told Jesus that he was insulted—but Jesus put him in his place. The “experts” or lawyers were demanding more from the Jews than they could give and what’s more, the experts were not helping others with their problems. Where is the “love your neighbor as yourself” in those religious leaders? Where is the “love your neighbor as yourself” in your life? 

Prayer ~ Jesus—You were the role model for compassion…yet those Pharisees had the gall to be offended. As You challenged them, are You challenging us? Open our eyes and hearts to help us be better servants…and to love our neighbor as ourselves—as You commanded. "You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Luke 10:27. 

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 11

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

When I was just a kid about eight years old, my Dad and Uncle Len raised peppermint on our farm. It was a great crop—better than beans or even watermelon. Dad purchased cute little baby geese that grew to be huge geese to weed the fields—so we only had to walk through and make sure there was no nightshade—a deadly weed that even the geese wouldn’t eat and which would make the peppermint oil poisonous. When it came time to harvest, Dad and Len built a huge mint still and there were enormous vats on backs of trucks to hold the peppermint leaves during the distillation process. The aroma of the peppermint oil was amazing—and could be smelled for miles. It was like breathing in heaven.

I’ve been growing peppermint in a little patch of my rose garden by my front door for years. I’ve used it in a few dishes, as a garnish on desserts, and in fresh and dried mint teas, but I’d never even thought of making peppermint jelly until recently. Last week I decided to harvest some mint and do just that—make some jelly. I didn’t want to color it green…that just seems so fake. The first step is just to brew a strong mint tea. Then it is mixed with lemon juice. At that point the smell of mint in the air of my kitchen was overwhelming…bringing back memories of the mint still. Ahhhh! The jelly is easy…but be sure to follow the directions on the pectin package…not the instructions that you just happen to find on the internet. Sometime things don’t turn out as expected…and I have to learn through failure. My first batch is like mint syrup…yummy, but runny. It will make a great sweetener for tea and syrup for pancakes. Enjoy the aroma of the mint…in the syrup and jelly stages.

Pectin Mint Jelly

1½ cups chopped peppermint leaves stepped for at least 10 minutes in 4 ½ cups boiling water

Use 1¾ cups mint tea

2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

3½ cups sugar

1 3 ounce pouch liquid pectin (CERTO)

Bring 1¾ cups peppermint tea and lemon juice to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar and pectin. Return pan to heat. Bring back to a rolling boil. Stir constantly for exactly 1 minute. Remove from heat. Ladle into sterile jelly jars, filling to within ¼ inch of top. Wipe jar rim and threads. Seal with hot two-piece metal lids, screwing bands on tightly.

Process for 10 minutes on a metal rack in a boiling water bath, covering jars with 1 to 2 inches of water. Remove jars and place upright on a towel. Cool completely. If jar does not seal, it must be refrigerated.

Enjoy the mint jelly with lamb, pork, pancakes, muffins or biscuits.

© 2017 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 Blind See, The Lame Walk, The Lepers Are Cured….

John's two disciples found Jesus and said to him, "John the Baptist sent us to ask, 'Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?'" At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, 'God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.'" Luke 7:20-23

Jesus cured people of evil spirits.  Here are a few examples:

Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out….Luke 8:1-2. 

Hillside in the Gerasenes Region

Israel

At Gerasenes where He healed a man with a legion of demons…. The demons began to entreat Him, saying, "If You are going to cast us out, send us into the herd of swine."  Matthew 8:31 and Luke 8:27-38.

Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But rebuking them, He would not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ. Luke 4:41. 

At that time some Pharisees said to him, "Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!" Jesus replied, "Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose."  Luke 13:31-32.

Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, "Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!" Jesus cut him short. "Be quiet! Come out of the man," he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him. Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. "What sort of new teaching is this?" they asked excitedly. "It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey His orders!" The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee. Mark 1:23-28. 

That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. The whole town gathered at the door to watch. So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who he was, he did not allow them to speak. Mark 1:32-34.

Evil spirits know Jesus…but they do not worship Him. He destroys them—protecting people from them. Jesus can still do that…but interestingly enough when He sent out seventy disciples and they returned to tell of healing people, Jesus said..."Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven." Luke 10:19-20. The thing we need to focus on is not our power over evil, but that our names are written down in the Book of Life in Heaven. Rejoice that you will be in Heaven one day with Jesus.

Don’t turn away—just be prepared.

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit—protect our children and grandchildren from the evil forces that would draw them into forces that are not of You…of bewitching being and false teachings. May God be glorified in all that we think, say and do. 

(Revised from October 31, 2015 Banquet With The King, blog.)

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 11

© 2017 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 Confused and Helpless?

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." Matthew 9:36-38   

Sheep in Israel. Are you lost?

Jesus was compassionate. That is one of His best qualities that we should all try to emulate. So the crowds, presumably Jews as He was traveling around Israel, were distress and discouraged. Maybe the stress of daily living, diseases and Roman oppression was just too much for them. Everywhere Jesus went the crowds were pushing in on Him seeking healing. This scripture passage is right before He announces the names of His twelve disciples and then He sends them out to minister to the Jews—not the Gentiles or the Samaritans. It was like He was dividing up His work and assigning it to His helpers. There were a lot of Jews that still needed to hear the Good News that God’s Kingdom is within reach—at hand. Jesus came first save the Jews…and then the Gentiles.

Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God's  lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Matthew 10:5-8 

Now this message is the same for the Gentiles as it was for the Jews. The Kingdom of Heaven is near. Are you confused and helpless about that? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Just as David told his son, Solomon, seek God, we should daily do the same.

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

Learn to know God intimately—worship and serve Him. As David said…if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. I’m sure you never want to be rejected. I don’t. I seek God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Prayer ~ Lord, as You begin Your harvest may I be found to be acceptable in Your sight. I am willing to be a worker for You in the Your fields. As You were compassionate with the Jews of Your time on earth, please be compassionate with everyone around the world by opening their eyes and hearts to Your truth. May they see that the Kingdom of Heaven is near—within reach.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 9; Luke 7

© 2017 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.

Party Time

Restoration at the City of David - near the Pool of Soloam

Jerusalem

On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” John 7:37-38 (NIV)

Everyone loves a party. This fall festival is really a celebrating time.  It is to be observed with rejoicing. Deuteronomy 16:14-15.

Imagine the Israelites wandering in the desert for forty years, parched in the sun. God gave them the festival of Sukkot, or Festival of Booths, to celebrate this third pilgrimage. The first festival was the Passover, commemorating their leaving Egypt. The second festival, Shavuot, was to celebrate the giving of the Ten Commandments and the Torah at Mt. Sinai. In Leviticus 23:42-43, God directed the Israelites through Moses to live in huts for seven during celebration of Sukkot. This third festival also marks the time of harvest before winter. The workers would typically live in huts or tents near the fields, so the “tabernacle booths” associated with this celebration represent the tents of the wandering Israelites and the harvest workers. In addition, this feast is in remembrance of the deliverance of Noah. It is a celebration of joy reminding us of the miracles of God in the past, present and future.

Eat, drink. It’s all part of the “banquet.” Jesus spoke the words in the scripture passage, John 7:37-38, on the last day of the great Feast of Tabernacles. During that festival water was an important part of the daily ceremony, except on the last day. It was on that day that Jesus offered Himself and the Holy Spirit. “Come to me and you will never thirst again.” Each of the first seven days during the Festival it was the tradition during the second Temple Period for the priests to carry water from the Pool of Siloam to the silver basin by the altar of burnt offerings in the Temple. People would line the street to the gate of the Temple and sing the Hallel, Psalms 113-118 and wave palm or willow tree branches. At night huge menorahs were lit that could be seen from all over Jerusalem. At daybreak the priests would face the sun, and then turn and face the Temple, proclaiming the Lord as Light and declaring Him as the one true God. The Lord was the light and living water. Jesus, the Light of the World (John 9:5), was right there, but they were not illuminated by Him. Are we now?

This Feast of Tabernacles occurs at harvest time. In 2017 it began sunset October 5^th and goes through October 12^th, so now is the time to observe this festival. Currently to celebrate the Sukkot, Jews create “tabernacle booths” in their backyards, eat their meals there, and maybe even sleep there, unless it is raining. Before the meal they recite or sing Psalm 113 and 114 and after the meal they’ll sing the four other Psalms of the Hallel (115-118). Picture families gathered into booths their backyards—joyfully celebrating and remembering the Hebrew people leaving Egypt with Moses and wandering in the desert. Forty years of nomadic living, following a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, a couple of million people moved about the desert with blowing sand. It took a lot of water to satisfy all those people. Imagine again how thirsty they must have been at times. Have you ever been truly thirsty? Did plain tap water quench your thirst? Have you ever been spiritually thirsty? Seek Jesus’ words, believe in Him, and you’ll never be thirsty again.

Prayer ~ Lord, blessed be your name—from the rising of the sun to its setting, your name is to be praised! Jesus, you are my Lord and Savior—the light of the world and the source of living water.

(Adapted from October 1, 2012) 

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 5-7

Happy Birthday, Mary!

May God Continue to Bless You, Dear Friend.

© 2017 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 Ready for Hoshana Rabbah?

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 NASB

Hoshana Rabbah, the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles, is known as the Last Days of Judgment. It has a ritual that involves beating a bunch of willows (one of the four important species of plants during Feast of Tabernacles). On this the decisive Day of Judgment the final seal is put on the Book of Life and Death, but not until after the synagogue service. There is still time for harsh judgment to be changed until that service is over, so it is a very solemn time. The Jewish people have recently been through Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year; Yom Kippur; and the Day of Atonement, so they should have a clean repentant heart. This Hoshana Rabbah gives them yet another opportunity to set right their relationship with God and with others. This is so in keeping with God’s desire that everyone would repent…and not perish. God is so good and so generous to mankind.

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 NASB 

 Not perish.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 NASB

One more fact about Hoshana Rabbah is that this is a time of prayer for hope of a speedy coming of the Messiah. My Messiah has come…and His name is Jesus Christ. My hope is for His speedy return—to gather up His church, His believers. Those believers can be Jewish, too.

Are you ready for Hoshana Rabbah?  It is still a couple of days away…but it is time to prepare.

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father…we wait patiently for You to send for Your church to join You in Heaven. What a glorious day that will be! May it bring You an abundance of glory and joy. We rejoice just knowing of Your wonderful plan and feel privileged to be part of You family.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 12; Mark 3; Luke 6

© 2017 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.

Begin with the Hallel

Praise the LORD! Yes, give praise, O servants of the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD now and forever. Everywhere—from  east to west—praise the name of the LORD. For the LORD is high above the nations; his glory is higher than the heavens. Who can be compared with the LORD our God, who is enthroned on high? He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people! He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. Praise the LORD! Psalm 113:1-9 

Near the head water of the Jordan River - Israel.

When the Israelites escaped from Egypt—when the family of Jacob left that foreign land-- the land of Judah became God's sanctuary, and Israel became his kingdom. The Red Sea saw them coming and hurried out of their way! The water of the Jordan River turned away. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs! What's wrong, Red Sea, that made you hurry out of their way? What happened, Jordan River, that you turned away? Why, mountains, did you skip like rams? Why, hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob. He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock. Psalm 114:1-8

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. Why let the nations say, "Where is their God?" Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes. Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them. O Israel, trust the LORD! He is your helper and your shield. O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the LORD! He is your helper and your shield. All you who fear the LORD, trust the LORD! He is your helper and your shield. The LORD remembers us and will bless us. He will bless the people of Israel and bless the priests, the descendants of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the LORD, both great and lowly. May the LORD richly bless both you and your children. May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth. The heavens belong to the LORD, but he has given the earth to all humanity. The dead cannot sing praises to the LORD, for they have gone into the silence of the grave. But we can praise the LORD both now and forever! Praise the LORD! Psalm 115:1-18 

I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "Please, LORD, save me!" How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the LORD has been good to me. He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the LORD's presence as I live here on earth! I believed in you, so I said, "I am deeply troubled, LORD." In my anxiety I cried out to you, "These people are all liars!" What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD's name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people. The LORD cares deeply when his loved ones die. O LORD, I am your servant; yes, I am your servant, born into your household; you have freed me from my chains. I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people—in the house of the LORD in the heart of Jerusalem. Praise the LORD! Psalm 116:1-19 

Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. For he loves us with unfailing love; the LORD's faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD! Psalm 117:1-2

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Let all Israel repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Let Aaron's descendants, the priests, repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." Let all who fear the LORD repeat: "His faithful love endures forever." In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD. Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD. They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD. My enemies did their best to kill me, but the LORD rescued me. The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things! The strong right arm of the LORD is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things! I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the LORD has done. The LORD has punished me severely, but he did not let me die. Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the LORD. These gates lead to the presence of the LORD, and the godly enter there. I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory! The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's doing, and it is wonderful to see. This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD. The LORD is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1-29

The Hallel, Psalms 113-118, is a Jewish Prayer of praise that is read or recited each day of the Feast of Tabernacles, while shaking the four species of trees in each direction, north, south, east and west. I love these scripture passages. Praise the LORD! …To Your name goes all the glory for Your unfailing love and faithfulness….You are a good, kind, merciful and protecting savior, answering my prayers and giving me victory. You are my God, and I will praise you! Your faithful love endures forever (from Psalms 113-118). Such comfort, strength and reassurance of God’s love, faithfulness and presence in our lives are found in those verses. No wonder that Jews have recited them during the Feast of Tabernacles for hundreds of years. Their God is my God…and I will praise Him—not only during this Feast of Tabernacles time…but every day…forever. How about you?

Prayer ~ This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Please, LORD, please save us. Please, LORD, please give us success. Bless the one who comes in the name of the LORD. We bless you from the house of the LORD. The LORD is God, shining upon us. Psalm 118.

Daily Bible Reading: John 5

© 2017 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.

Jesus Celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus' brothers said to him, "Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! ... Jesus replied, "Now is not the right time for me to go, but you can go anytime. ... You go on. I'm not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come." After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee. But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, though secretly, staying out of public view. ... Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. The people were surprised when they heard him. "How does he know so much when he hasn't been trained?" they asked. So Jesus told them, "My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. ... On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" (When he said "living water," he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) When the crowds heard him say this, some of them declared, "Surely this man is the Prophet we've been expecting." Others said, "He is the Messiah." Still others said, "But he can't be! Will the Messiah come from Galilee? For the Scriptures clearly state that the Messiah will be born of the royal line of David, in Bethlehem, the village where King David was born." So the crowd was divided about him. Some even wanted him arrested, but no one laid a hand on him.  John 7:1-3, 6, 8-10, 14-17, 37-44  

Living Water?

Jesus celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot. I can imagine that He was invited to share meals with various Jews in Jerusalem as they had built their family sukkot shelter and ate their meals there. This Festival was one that Jewish men were required to go to the Temple in Jerusalem—so there Jesus was even though this scripture passage tells us that He didn’t want to go there. He obediently went to the Temple and used that as an opportunity to teach. The Festival is eight days long At the end of the Festival, Jesus announced to the crowd that He would provide living water to anyone who is thirsty. It was the custom to carry water daily from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple alter for the first seven days of the festival. On the eighth day, no water was carried—only empty jars were carried, assuming that the Messiah would miraculously one day fill those vessels with water. It was startling for the Jews there to hear Jesus pronounce "Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, 'Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.'" He was going to provide water? How could that be? That must have raised a lot of questions in their hearts and minds. Who was this Jesus?

Who is Jesus to you?

Prayer ~ Jesus, continue to reveal Yourself to us—and fill us with the Living Water of the Holy Spirit—that we would be renewed and refreshed in Your love and grace.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 8; Mark 2

© 2017 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.

Beginning of Sukkot – Feast of Tabernacles

And the LORD said to Moses, "Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. Begin celebrating the Festival of Shelters on the fifteenth day of the appointed month—five days after the Day of Atonement. This festival to the LORD will last for seven days. On the first day of the festival you must proclaim an official day for holy assembly, when you do no ordinary work. For seven days you must present special gifts to the LORD. The eighth day is another holy day on which you present your special gifts to the LORD. This will be a solemn occasion, and no ordinary work may be done that day. (These are the LORD's appointed festivals. Celebrate them each year as official days for holy assembly by presenting special gifts to the LORD—burnt offerings, grain offerings, sacrifices, and liquid offerings—each on its proper day. These festivals must be observed in addition to the LORD's regular Sabbath days, and the offerings are in addition to your personal gifts, the offerings you give to fulfill your vows, and the voluntary offerings you present to the LORD.) Remember that this seven-day festival to the LORD—the Festival of Shelters—begins on the fifteenth day of the appointed month, after you have harvested all the produce of the land. The first day and the eighth day of the festival will be days of complete rest. On the first day gather branches from magnificent trees—palm fronds, boughs from leafy trees, and willows that grow by the streams. Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God for seven days. You must observe this festival to the LORD for seven days every year. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed in the appointed month from generation to generation. For seven days you must live outside in little shelters. All native-born Israelites must live in shelters. This will remind each new generation of Israelites that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I rescued them from the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 23:33-43 

Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles; and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. Deuteronomy 16:16 NKJV

The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths is one of the true God ordained Festivals for the Jews. Its main activity seems to be to build a shelter to commemorate those forty years in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land and the shelters that the Hebrew people lived in as they traveled. The Jews have done this ever since Moses gave God’s instruction for this as recorded in Leviticus. Additionally, there is a ritual that involves four species of plants which reminds the Jews of the bounty that God provides. The branches are the palm trees, willows, myrtle and citron. This Feast of Booths is joyous compared to the time of repentance that the Jews have just completed. The important thing is to be hospitable to the poor and homeless, as well as friends, extended family and neighbors that may visit. In modern times a nice custom has been established to invite honorary guests, like Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca, Leah, Miriam, Abigail and Esther, women of the Old Testament, and create an ornate chair for them. Unlike other holidays there is not a specific food that is associated with the meals served in the Sukkot shelter although wine and cake would be served to guests as the people within the neighborhood visited each other’s Sukkot shelters.

Prayer ~ Jesus, may our shelters stand firm and may You continue to provide protection from the storms of life…hurricanes, tornados and showers of bullets.

Daily Bible Reading: John 2-4

This apple didn't make it into the cake!

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

As usual every Friday is Feast Day—Feasting at the King’s Table. We can’t live on just spiritual food …nor can we live on bread alone. We’ve got to have some meat, veggies, fruit and tasty cakes. Try this one with all those recently harvested apples or pears. 

Simple Apple or Pear Cake

½ cup oil

2 eggs

2 cups flour

2 tsp vanilla

4 cups chopped apples or pears

1¾ cups sugar

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp salt 

½ cup chopped pecans, optional – can sprinkle on top of cake before baking

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a 9 X 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. This will store and keep fresh for a week or more. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped topping.

© 2017 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.

God Was a Proud Papa

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. "I am the one who needs to be baptized by you," he said, "so why are you coming to me?" But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy." Matthew 3:13-17

The Spirit of God descended like a dove.

God was a proud Papa. The Abba Father that continually advised His obedient Son. Jesus was just that—obedient. He created the Heavens and the Earth…in the beginning just as God wanted. When Adam and Eve messed up—God the Father set forth His plan for salvation. He was going to send His one and only Son to rescue humanity. That happened. Jesus came down from Heaven as a baby born in Bethlehem—whom we celebrate at Christmas. Now in this scripture we see the beginning of Jesus ministry—His baptism—and the proud Papa is witnessing Jesus’ obedience—carrying out “all that God requires.” Are we obedient as children of that same Abba Father? If you believe in Jesus as your Savior, then you are a child of God.

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father." For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:14-17

Sharing Christ’s suffering may seem like the hard part—but consider that no matter who you are in the world…everyone suffers. Being part of God’s family assures us that we don’t suffer alone. We have Christ coming alongside of us—yoked, so to speak—helping us with anything that we are willing to share with Him.

Jesus said…"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 11:27-30

How will you handle your life problems—yoked to Christ or struggling by yourself?

Prayer ~ Jesus, please continue to reveal more and more of Yourself to me, to my family, friends and neighbors…and everyone reading this that we would become more like You. Obedient to our Abba Father and yoked to You so that our struggles are Your struggles. May all that we think, say and do bring glory to You and to our Heavenly Father—so that the great Papa would be proud of us, too.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 4; Luke 4-5

© 2017 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

Which are You? Grain or Chaff?

John speaking to the crowds of people and Pharisees in the desert country along of Judea along the Jordan River. "I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But .omeone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire." Matthew 3:11-12 

Round Barn -  Vermont

Looks like a good place to store grain. 

Actually, it is a museum now.

Wheat kernels are a wonderful fruit of the grain. John is using an analogy that followers of Jesus will be like the fruit who will be gathered into His barn…heaven. The chaff—those who don’t follow Jesus—will be burned up. They won’t be going into Jesus’ heavenly home. Which are you? Grain or chaff? 

When my husband retired from the Air Force, our family, hubby and me with two kids, went to stay with my folks for a while. My Dad, who always was up early even when I was growing up, was the breakfast fixer in the family. After wheat harvest that summer he had some fresh grain which he soaked overnight and then fried up in the morning. I don’t recall having that growing up—but he said that when he was a kid his mother used to make it often. Fried Mush. It was tasty. He served it with warm fresh maple syrup and you’d have thought you were at a breakfast banquet with fresh melon, sausage, bacon and plenty of fried mush. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I think I’ll go put some grain to soak for morning breakfast.

Prayer ~ Dear Lord, Thank you for creating wheat…and for using the wheat kernels as an analogy for Your believers—so that we might know how valuable we are to You. You’ll take us to that great barn of Yours…Your heavenly home…one day. Like John, we may feel unworthy to even carry Your sandals—but You have chosen us as the fruit of Your labor—that precious grain of wheat. Thank you.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 3; Mark 1; Luke 3

Happy Birthday, dear Lisa!

Blessings~

© 2017 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

Count On It

“Count on it: The day is coming, raging like a forest fire. All the arrogant people who do evil things will be burned up like stove wood, burned to a crisp, nothing left but scorched earth and ash— a black day. But for you, sunrise! The sun of righteousness will dawn on those who honor my name, healing radiating from its wings. You will be bursting with energy, like colts frisky and frolicking. And you’ll tromp on the wicked. They’ll be nothing but ashes under your feet on that Day.” God-of-the-Angel-Armies says so. “Remember and keep the revelation I gave through my servant Moses, the revelation I commanded at Horeb for all Israel, all the rules and procedures for right living. But also look ahead: I’m sending Elijah the prophet to clear the way for the Big Day of God—the decisive Judgment Day! He will convince parents to look after their children and children to look up to their parents. If they refuse, I’ll come and put the land under a curse.” Malachi 4:1-6 The Message 

Warning Sign near a mine field in Northern Israel.

Is God warning us? Count on it.

These were the closing words in the Old Testament. Count on it. It is gonna happen! Doom and gloom for those who aren’t following the Lord…for those conceited, arrogant folks. The Lord God Almighty is that powerful God of the Angel Armies. He is reminding the Israelites that through Moses He revealed to them rules, commandments, by which to live. Those famous Ten Commandments are the basis for so many rules, judicial laws and governmental policies around the world. God is in control—He has a plan. He has given a promise—Count on it. We just have to follow His guideline, love Him for who He is—our creator, sustainer, savior and King of Kings, and wait to see what happens next. The waiting is the hard part. Sure we need to be involved in life…but I think that we are all just biding our time. Everyone has things to do…business. With what are you busy? Is it something that is for the Lord or pleasing to Him? What are your motives in what you do? Make the most of your time for time is not an endless commodity.

So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.  1 Corinthians 4:5

Trust God. You can count on Him.

Prayer ~ Lord, I trust You with my life and I hope that the decisions…the choices…I make are pleasing to You and bring You glory and honor.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 2

© 2017 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 and from biblegateway.com.

Back to the Beginning

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

The beginning…just like in Genesis. Jesus is the Word—spoken and living. He is God.

Light. Life.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." John 8:12

This life is all about spiritual light…and spiritual darkness. We don’t want to be in the dark—groping our way around who knows what—spiritually. Jesus’ light can never be quenched.

This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7

Jesus is a beacon of light for us—showing us the way to live in His spiritual kingdom.

            Love God, love your neighbor as yourself….

Do unto others….

            Let your light shine….

That light that shines is Jesus’ love showing, shining and flowing through you. Each of us has the opportunity to make an intentional decision to do things Jesus’ way…to serve Him by serving others. It is up to us to choose. Our way or God’s way. What will it be for you? 

Prayer ~ Jesus, You are the light of the world for me—even though You are not in the world…You are in my heart and guide my life—giving me inspiration and creativity. Holy Spirit please continue to give me peace, joy and hope as I live day by day waiting for Christ’s return.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 1; Luke 2

© 2017 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.

Hebrew Feasts

Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year: You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month of Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt; none shall appear before Me empty); and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you have gathered in [the fruit of] your labors from the field. Exodus 23:14-16 NKJV

Feast of Unleavened Bread

Feast of Harvest or Pentecost

Feast of Ingathering, Tabernacles or Sukkot

These are the only Feasts for which the men of Israel were to appear before the Lord God at the Temple when it was still in existence. There were other festivals, convocations, or statues that God indicated that have been called by a “feast” name including Passover; Trumpets, also known as Rosh Hashanah; Day of Atonement, called Yom Kippur; and the Feast (convocation) of Sacred Assembly, which occurs after the Feast of Tabernacles. 

Grain Harvest in Israel

The next festival to occur is the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Feast of Ingathering since it is at the end of the harvest season. Another significance to this Festival is to remind the Jews of their exodus from Egypt—how God cared for and provided for them as they lived in little make-shift dwellings for forty years. Jews typically make little shelters at their homes where they eat meals, entertain family and friends and maybe even sleep there. The festival begins of the fifteenth day of the seventh month, Tishri. The beginning of its observation is only five days after the end of Yom Kippur, so this festival begins on October 6^th and ends on October 12^th this year.

Are these Feasts or Festivals only for Jews? No. They are part of the Christian heritage and were celebrated by Jesus as noted in the Gospels and then by the disciples in the book of Acts. How each person chooses to commemorate these Festivals is up to them. Do you feel called to celebrate these Jewish Feasts?

Prayer ~ Lord God, I praise You for your plan of Festivals. They provide opportunities to corporately and individually worship You…to seek to know You more fully…and to grow in obedience to You. May all that I do in this coming year please You.

Daily Bible Reading: Luke 1; John 1

If you are following this daily Bible reading plan, you will note that we have finished reading the entire Old Testament and beginning today we are starting the New Testament. Congratulate yourself if you are up to date on this reading plan! Well done! I am proud of myself for getting through the OT!

© 2017 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 is Not Slow

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with t

he Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 NASB

God doesn’t want anyone to perish—to spend eternity in hell. But everyone makes their own choices—including where they will spend eternity. If we don’t choose to follow God—His ways, His commands—and accept His gift of eternal life with Him, then we get the alternative—eternity WITHOUT God. He is faithful to hear our prayers…and as this scripture today tells us…He is patient. When the time comes for Him to call His chosen people home to Heaven, the time of patience will end. The door will close, just like in the parable of the bridegroom.

Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the prudent answered, 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.' And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, 'Lord, lord, open up for us.' But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. Matthew 25:1-13 NASB

Don't run out of oil in your lamp.

That oil represents the Holy Spirit in your life. 

Are you "full" of the Spirit? Be ready.

We don’t know the hour or the day…so always be ready for Christ’s return. Some people have predicted that today will be the day since the shofar horn will be blown at the end of the last Yom Kippur service, signifying the end of the fast for Yom Kippur, the end of Shabbat, in this year of the Jubilee it announces the freedom of slaves and return of land to the original owners. Starting over…just like with repentance, we start fresh with God. Forgiven, cleansed of all unrighteousness. Do you feel that during this time of the convocation of rest denoted by the blowing of the trumpets (referred to as the Festival or Feast of Trumpets) and the Day of Atonement (also known as Yom Kippur) you have sought repentance and received renewal?  

Prayer ~ Dear Jesus, Set our hearts right with You. Give peace, strength and hope to those who so desperately need it. Life and death are just part of our existence…and  as we listen constantly and patiently wait  for that shofar horn blast, my Your love surround us and flow through us to others.

Daily Bible Reading: Malachi

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Rest – No Work

"Be careful to celebrate the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of that same month—nine days after the Festival of Trumpets. You must observe it as an official day for holy assembly, a day to deny yourselves and present special gifts to the LORD. Do no work during that entire day because it is the Day of Atonement, when offerings of purification are made for you, making you right with the LORD your God. All who do not deny themselves that day will be cut off from God's people. And I will destroy anyone among you who does any work on that day. You must not do any work at all! This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation wherever you live. This will be a Sabbath day of complete rest for you, and on that day you must deny yourselves. This day of rest will begin at sundown on the ninth day of the month and extend until sundown on the tenth day." Leviticus 23:27-32

God values rest. He created the heavens and the earth, plants, animals and people in six days and then He rested. He expects us to do the same. Rest. That is even one of His Ten Commandments.

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. Exodus 20:8-11

God is pretty serious about keeping this day sacred, holy and restful. No work. He decreed that He… will destroy anyone among you who does any work on that day (Leviticus 23:30). That is very specific and since He gave that as a warning—if someone disobeyed they could expect to have their life ended. Would that make you not work on Yom Kippur? Great deterrent for any workaholic.

The shofar is blown at the end of the final service in the synagogue on Yom Kippur, some say to represent the closing of heaven gates or the temple’s gates. It also is significant of the reconciliation with God and with others that has taken place…or should have…in the last ten or more days.

Prayer ~ Lord, may we rest in Your presence today—humbly seeking Your mercy in our lives. Thank you for hearing our prayers.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 11-13; Psalm 126

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

This is a holy day—the Day of Atonement. God commanded the Israelites not to work and they must fast—abstain from eating. No food today.

As you come off the fast tomorrow—break-fast, consider what soft nourishing foods you will eat. How do you like your eggs? Scrambled, poached, fried—over easy, boiled—soft or hard, or baked in an avocado? There are so many fresh fruits and melons available now. So dish up some fruit and eggs to break your fast. 

© 2017 Text and photos 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.

Atonement

On the tenth day of the appointed month in early autumn, you must deny yourselves. Neither native-born Israelites nor foreigners living among you may do any kind of work. This is a permanent law for you. On that day offerings of purification will be made for you, and you will be purified in the LORD's presence from all your sins. Leviticus 16:29-30

Can you wash away your sin?

Ritual hand washing station at a Jerusalem hotel.

A permanent law or statute. Can’t change it. God decreed it. That’s the way it is. Don’t work—just worship and honor God—atone for your sins for the year. That is what this Holy Day of Yom Kippur is all about—purification from the sin. Note that it says “you will be purified in the LORD’s presence from all your sins.”  This isn’t something that people can do for themselves. The Lord God purifies us—He removes the sin. That is atonement. But we have to come to Him, admitting our mistakes and humbly seeking forgiveness. Prepare your heart daily—continually praying to the Lord. Paul wrote such advice to the church at Thessalonica.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NASB

Pray continually and stay away from anything evil. Good advice then…and today. Are you seeking atonement?

Prayer – Lord God, strengthen us to continually be in conversation with You that we would be in Your presence and in that we would stay away from evil. We praise You for Your plan for our lives that we can stand before You one day, holy and pure. Atoned of our sin.

Daily Bible Reading: Nehemiah 8-10

© 2017 Text and photos 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.