Is God’s Face Shining on You?

Advent Lectionary Readings

Psalm 80:1-7

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Hebrews 10:10-18

Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph's descendants like a flock. O God, enthroned above the cherubim, display your radiant glory to Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Show us your mighty power. Come to rescue us! Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved. O LORD God of Heaven's Armies, how long will you be angry with our prayers? You have fed us with sorrow and made us drink tears by the bucketful. You have made us the scorn of neighboring nations. Our enemies treat us as a joke. Turn us again to yourself, O God of Heaven's Armies. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved. Psalm 80:1-7

Make your face shine down upon us. Consider that this phrase is repeated in this section of scripture. The shining face of the Lord is the Shekinah glory of the Lord. Think how Moses must have felt basking in the presence of the Lord God…and then his own face was glowing when he returned to the presence of the Hebrew people. We should all want to have God glory shine on us.   

The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:25-26 NASB

When God’s face shines on us…we will be saved. Really? When we choose to accept God and have a relationship with Him then we will be saved. I imagine that when someone chooses to believe in God—the angels in heaven will rejoice…and God’s face will shine. When our sins are washed away by Jesus blood we have a covenant—a bonding relationship—with God Himself.

And he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, "Each of you drink from it, for this is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Matthew 26:27-28

Come to rescue us…He does that by providing us with salvation. Turn us again to Yourself, O God. God doesn’t change… Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8

God doesn’t change—we do. But God will rescue us… each in our individual ways.

God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.                  1 Corinthians 12:6

Is God’s face shining on you?

Prayer ~ Lord God, let Your face shine on us…and be gracious to us. Lift up Your countenance on us…and give us Your peace…now and forevermore. Peace for us…and peace for Your chosen people—Israel.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Peter
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Let someone in front of you in traffic.

Only 5 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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Can You Compare People?

Advent Lectionary Readings

Isaiah 11:1-9

Micah 4:8-13

Luke 7:31-35

"To what can I compare the people of this generation?" Jesus asked. "How can I describe them? They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn't weep.' For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!' But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it." Luke 7:31-35

Is our generation any different? How would Jesus describe us? Are we like those children playing games? Are we complaining? Complacent? Distracted? Self-centered? Just focused on being entertained or on the current political situation. We should be fans…but fans who are fanatical about Jesus—about being His disciples and going out to spread His word. Living our best to show how Jesus changes our life.

The Pharisees thought Jesus was a friend of tax collectors and other sinners. Just because He spent time with those types of people He was judged to be like them. Who do people think of as your “friends” and are you considered like them? Would you consider becoming a friend to someone thought to be a cheat…as the tax collectors were judged? How about being a friend to sinners…or homeless? Could you do that? What would God think of you if you reached out to His children who are less fortunate than you?

We are like our friends.

We are known by our friends. People judge us…right or wrong…with whom we keep company. We become like those we “hang out” with. Hasn’t that always been the warning…“Be careful who you become friends with?” Wise people choose wise friends—or we can assume they win “wise friends” and conversely, those with wild friends will be “wild” as described in Proverbs…

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends. Proverbs 11:30

Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. Proverbs 28:7

Do you want to be known as “good” or “evil?”

Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 3 John 1:11

Prayer ~ Lord, I daily search my heart...and repent of my thoughts, words and actions that are not pleasing to You. It is appropriate to seek you...and live to please You during this Advent season in preparation to forever being with You. Protect those in Israel—may they come to know You, Jesus, as their Messiah. Give them Your peace.

Daily Bible Reading: Titus

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Make hot chocolate to share--top with whipped cream!

Only 6 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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Happy Day—Auntie Merc! This would have been # 47th Anniversary. Love You

Do You Delight in Obedience?

Advent Lectionary Readings

Isaiah 11:1-9

Numbers 16:20-35

Acts 28:23-31

Old Stump
Bumping Lake, Washington

Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD. Isaiah 11:1-9

This is so beautiful. Such a wonder scene of peace. Not only will people be at peace—but the animals who are enemies will safe together.

This passage is also a prediction of Jesus coming from the Family of David—and the Holy Spirit giving Him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel and might. The Spirit “resting” on Him. What does it mean to rest? Will rest by Strong’s lexicon is nuwach and it means just what we think of as “rest”…to settle down, be quite, let down or set down, remain, or to rest. So the Holy Spirit at this point is predicted to “rest” or remain with Jesus.  

Jesus will delight in obeying the Lord. How many people do you know that find joy or enjoy being obedient? I think of some of the children I encounter just going to the grocery store—who are just not obedient. Generally, there are a lot of children who listen to their parents—and I am so pleased that my grandchildren listen and obey. Their parents are doing a wonderful job of teaching them to respect others…and themselves. I think that was what Jesus was doing as well—respecting His Heavenly Father…and Himself…by being obedient. How do you measure up with obedience? Are you trusting the Lord and then obeying His commands and guidance? Are you listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you?

Prayer ~ Lord. I trust and obediently love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. You are awesome and worthy of praise. This Advent season is preparation for forever with You. I look forward to the earth being filled with people who know You. Protect the nation of Israel. May they come to know You, Jesus, as their Messiah...and trust You in all that You do. Give them Your joy and peace.

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Timothy

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Bake cookies and take them to a local nursing home or homeless mission.

Only 7 Days Until Christmas

  

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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Remember What You Have Been Taught

Advent Lectionary Readings

Isaiah 11:1-9

Numbers 16:1-19

Hebrews 13:7-17

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God's grace, not from rules about food, which don't help those who follow them. We have an altar from which the priests in the Tabernacle have no right to eat. Under the old system, the high priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, and the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp. So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood. So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore. For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Hebrews 13:7-17

  

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Who have been those leaders in your life? Have you been obedient to their direction—commands—teachings? Are you a spiritual leader for someone? Is Jesus your ultimate teacher and leader? He should be if He is your Lord and Savior—if you are putting Him first in your life. I consider Him to be the focus of my life—I choose to consider “what would Jesus do” when I have choices to make. There are so many times that circumstances, prior commitments, and responsibilities control my day…but there are always choices.

The Pacific Ocean - along the Oregon Coast.
Will there be an ocean in Heaven?
God created the oceans here on earth. Praise Him.

There is security in knowing that…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So I should not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Knowing that Jesus does not change His mind…and know that He will keep His promises gives me peace and strength. I know—because He promised—that He will never leave me or forsake me. That is a promise I claim and to which I cling. I love the assurance that the author of Hebrews also gives us…For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. That mansion in heaven that has many rooms is going to be wonderful! We don’t know what our heavenly home will be like—but we know that the streets will be paved with gold (Revelation 21:21) so we can imagine that it will be glorious!

With the assurance of a heavenly home we can continually offer a sacrifice of praise and loyalty to the Lord God. During Christmas it is easy to sing praises with so many wonderful Christmas carols being played in homes, on the radio and in stores wherever we go. When there is not music do you have a song of praise in your head? I do. The seasonal songs are continually replaying in my head—and with those I choose to praise the Lord.

Prayer ~ Thank You God that we can make our own choices… and hear Your voice teaching us. We so look forward to walking those streets of gold and rejoicing with You. Joy and contentment. Those are my choices for today. Help me to spread Your JOY to everyone I meet today. I am content in all things. I need only more of You.

Daily Bible Reading: Philippians 

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Send Thank You notes to the homes with the best Christmas lights.

Only 8 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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What a Joy!

Advent Lectionary Readings – Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Isaiah 12:2-6

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! For the LORD will remove his hand of judgment and will disperse the armies of your enemy. And the LORD himself, the King of Israel, will live among you! At last your troubles will be over, and you will never again fear disaster. On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be, "Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid! For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." "I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals; you will be disgraced no more. And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you. I will save the weak and helpless ones; I will bring together those who were chased away. I will give glory and fame to my former exiles, wherever they have been mocked and shamed. On that day I will gather you together and bring you home again. I will give you a good name, a name of distinction, among all the nations of the earth, as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes. I, the LORD, have spoken!" Zephaniah 3:14-20

What a joy! The Lord has done great things for the Jews...for all of mankind. This passage reminds us that God will rejoice…

…He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. Zephaniah 3:17 NASB

Praise the LORD in song, for He has done excellent things; Let this be known throughout the earth. Cry aloud and shout for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 12:5-6 NASB

Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy. Isaiah 65:18

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4 

Pray for Peace...Pray for Joy

Shouts of Joy for the Jews...Joy to the World. We sing for joy—the Lord has truly blessed His chosen people. Rejoice with them. On this third Sunday of Advent we celebrate…JOY. Joy is a wonderful thing—and the source of joy is the Lord God. There may be times of trials ahead for all of Israel—but surely God is with them. May Israel as a nation discover Jesus as their Messiah.

Are you experience Joy during this Advent season? Rejoice.

Prayer ~ Thank You God  for the joy with which You have blessed Israel—and allowed them to return to Your Promised Land! May we all feel Your JOY during this Advent season. 

Daily Bible Reading: Ephesians 

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Organize or take an active role in a holiday toy drive.

Only 9 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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Very Bitter Day is Coming

Advent Daily Lectionary Readings

Isaiah 12:2-6

Amos 8:4-12

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Listen to this, you who rob the poor and trample down the needy! You can't wait for the Sabbath day to be over and the religious festivals to end so you can get back to cheating the helpless. You measure out grain with dishonest measures and cheat the buyer with dishonest scales. And you mix the grain you sell with chaff swept from the floor. Then you enslave poor people for one piece of silver or a pair of sandals. Now the LORD has sworn this oath by his own name, the Pride of Israel: "I will never forget the wicked things you have done! The earth will tremble for your deeds, and everyone will mourn. The ground will rise like the Nile River at floodtime; it will heave up, then sink again. "In that day," says the Sovereign LORD, "I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth while it is still day. I will turn your celebrations into times of mourning and your singing into weeping. You will wear funeral clothes and shave your heads to show your sorrow--as if your only son had died. How very bitter that day will be!

"The time is surely coming," says the Sovereign LORD, "when I will send a famine on the land--not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the LORD. People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from border to border searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.  Amos 8:4-12

The time is surely coming.  That time is a famine for the word of God—people will be hungry for God’s word—searching for it in vain. God was displeased with the people of Israel and so He removed Himself—and His word—from their lives. They were looking for a prophet to teach them, but they did not find one. The time is coming, as Matthew Henry explained, that there won’t be any ministers to explain the word of the Lord to the people. How have you felt when you are really looking for something…maybe even something spiritual—but you just couldn’t find it? How discouraging.

What does this teach us? Be obedient to the Lord and He will not abandon us—just as He has promised. But if we neglect to obey and displease Him, then we can look forward to being discouraged as we search in vain for the Lord and His word.

Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, help us to be obedient to You and to Your commandments that we would live in a way that is pleasing to You.

Daily Bible Reading - Colossians, Philemon

Advent Random Acts of Kindness - Take someone to the movies.

Only 10 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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Thank You Lord—Victory and No Fear

Advent Lectionary Readings

Isaiah 12:2-6

Amos 8:4-12

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: "Thank the LORD! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the LORD, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you." Isaiah 12:2-6

This is the time of the year to sing—and listen to wonderful Christmas music! How many different Christmas carols and songs do you know and love? Most of them are joyful…and then there are others—that you just don’t want to listen to and wonder how anyone can come up with such weird songs. Do you really want to sing “Christmas Cha, Cha, Cha”… “I’m Gonna Lasso Santa”… “The Santa Clause Boogie” or…“Santa Teach Me to Dance”? The list could go on and on…but we still have uplifting favorites that focus on Jesus—the real reason for the season. Away in a Manger, Silent Night, The First Noel and O Holy Night are just a few examples. One of my favorites is “The Christmas Song”…chestnuts roasting on an open fire—although it mentions more about Santa than Jesus—the message is Merry Christmas. Christmas is Christ and I can just hear the Yuletide carols being sung by a choir and feel that cold crisp air we associate with Christmas time. But the weather has nothing to do with the birth of our Savior—in actuality He wasn’t even born in December. This is just the traditional time that we recognize and celebrate His birth…and the light—His light—coming into the world. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.  

There are unreached people all around the world—but generally most of the civilized world knows about Jesus…whether they recognize Him as their Savior or not. That is everyone’s choice ultimately for He does live among us and WITHIN those who chose to have a relationship with Him. Have you told anyone lately about Jesus…and what He has done for you? Do you see what He is doing in your life? Is it just providing you with a parking place, a smile from a stranger, or a true peace in your heart and life? Jesus wants to be more to us than just a baby in a manger…or a great story teller. Does He have your attention and are you willing to share Him with others? You’ll have a bigger impact in telling others—tell the nations—about Jesus if you really can see Him working in your life and can explain His impact. Think about it. Like one of the Christmas carols says…prepare Him room. Prepare Him room in your heart and life.

Prayer ~  Lord Jesus—I sing for joy during this Advent season. I am preparing room for you in my heart and life—come into my heart and shine through me in a way that is pleasing to You and draws other to You. Joy to the World. Let Heaven and Earth Rejoice.

 
Daily Bible Reading: Acts 27-28

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Let someone go in front of you in line.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Thirsty? Enjoy this terrific, very authentic Chia Tea on a cold winter day. It can also be served iced. This is made using an Instant Pot pressure cooker, but can be made in any pressure cooker, or simply steep the tea and spice together with boiling water, for at least ten minutes, and then add hot milk.  The flavor of the tea prepared in the Instant Pot is very smooth, yet intense and satisfying. Enjoy with cookies or an Indian meal.

Tea Time

Instant Pot Masala Chia 

6 black tea bags

3 cups water

1 cup regular or almond milk (plus an additional 2 cup of milk used when serving the tea)

4 tsp sugar

4 whole cloves

8 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp fennel seeds

8 green cardamom pods

8 thin slices fresh ginger

Place all the ingredients (except the extra milk) in a heat safe container, preferably one with a pour spout. Cover the container with foil. In the inner line of the Instant Pot, pace two cups of water and a trivet. Put the foil covered pot on the trivet. Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 4 minutes. Then allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Release the remaining pressure. Strain tea. Add additional milk, or not, as you prefer, to taste. Serve warm.

Only 11 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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Finish What You Start

Advent Lectionary Readings

Isaiah 12:2-6

Amos 6:1-8

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways--in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us--I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have. Of course, I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. As the Scriptures say, "Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough."  2 Corinthians 8:1-15 

Paul offers good advice for monitory giving...and life in general. It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Give—money...time...talents. Nothing really belongs to us anyway..so give. Offer it back to the Lord by giving whatever it is to someone in need...of your time, talents and/or treasures. Finish what you started—whatever that is—a woodworking project, a painting, quilt or sewing project, a book or even a short story. Will the completion of your unfinished project bring honor and glory to the Lord? When I was growing up I was active in 4-H. It is an organization that empowers kids from 4th grade through high school with skills that help them develop confidence and leadership skills by doing hands on projects in agriculture, science, health and civic areas in their communities, state and nation. One of the things I remember our leaders stressing was “Finish what you start.” In my life I’ve sometimes taken this to an extreme—don’t start something new until I’ve finished the old project. I still haven’t finished my great-Grandmother’s quilt. It is high on my “To Do List” for next year. 

Meanwhile, I’ll finish the race set before me.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Paul suggested to the church at Corinth you can help someone now so that they can help you later. As we are all aging it seems to me this is a reeeeaaallly good idea. Sure we have family to help us—even with raking leaves this fall—but not everyone has family—or they are hundreds of miles away. Can they come help you tomorrow? Not likely. Help your neighbor today so they can help you tomorrow. That reminds us of Solomon’s teaching—There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24. Are you...or can you be...that friend who helps—who sticks closer than a brother?

Prayer ~ Dear God, help me to see the needs of others and to be willing to use the resources you have given me to provide for them—not just during this Christmas Season—but all year. 

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 24-26

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Organize or take an active role in a holiday toy drive.

Only 12 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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Are You the Messiah?

Advent Lectionary Readings

Psalm 126

Isaiah 35:3-7

Luke 7:18-30

The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?" 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.'"

After John's disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. "What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, 'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!" When they heard this, all the people--even the tax collectors--agreed that God's way was right, for they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God's plan for them, for they had refused John's baptism. Luke 7:18-30

The baptism of Yeshua
Plaque at the Jordan River

Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else? Should we keep looking? Many Jews are still looking! Watching and waiting for their Messiah. The Jews know the Savior as…Yeshua HaMashiach—the Anointed One. Those names have been translated as “Jesus Christ” yet we need to consider who it is we worship. The name “Jesus” is translated from the Greek IZEUS, or son of Zeus, a Greek god. The word Messiah has been mistranslated from the words Yeshua HaMashiach. Maybe we need to become students of the Hebrew language? Have the names in the Bible been translated into English names that are not in keeping with what Elohim originally spoke? This is all a mystery. Have we been deceived? Should we be looking for Yeshua HaMashiach in the text of the Bible? Is our God still God if we address Him as “God” rather than Elohim? Is Jesus still Jesus…or do we need to use the name of Yeshua HaMashiach when we pray to Him? We need some fresh understanding as we consider the translations and transliteration of our beloved Bible.

Prayer ~ Please give us wisdom and understanding, Elohim.

Thank You God for loving the whole world—especially those people from various countries who have read this blog. You are an awesome Elohim—my Lord and Savior. Thank you for forgiving me for my sins--my self-righteous thoughts and actions. During this Advent season, may You show me--as well as my readers, my family, friends, neighbors and associates--the way You would have us to live to please You in all that we think, say and do. May You be glorified, our Yeshua HaMashiach.

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 20-23

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Make Christmas cards and deliver them to a local nursing home. 

Only 13 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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Reflect and Respond

Advent Lectionary Readings

Psalm 126

Isaiah 19:18-25

2 Peter 1:2-15

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 2 Peter 1:2-7 (Underlined for emphasis.)

May God give you more and more grace and peace…. For what more could we ask? Grace, peace, knowledge.  Then Peter continues with his sage advice reminding the Christians to whom he was writing …and us that we need to put our knowledge to use.

The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins. So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live. For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard to make sure you always remember these things after I am gone. 2 Peter 1:8-15

   

Reflect and Respond
Let the Light Shine In and Through Your Life.

 Do you need a reminder to respond and to put your knowledge into action…and to stand firm in the truth you have been taught? Once again Advent is a time to reflect on all that Jesus has done for us…and the knowledge we have been given. Then respond. What are we doing with that knowledge? In earlier times the Jews were the “keepers” of knowledge, but now after the Reformation the knowledge of Jesus, King of the Jews, belongs to everyone who seeks Him. With the availability of the Internet we are literally inundated with knowledge…including Biblical knowledge.

Jesus was concerned about the transfer of knowledge to His followers…and about their understanding. Once when Jesus was talking with His disciples they asked about parables,

His disciples came and asked him, "Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?" He replied, "You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand. - Matthew 13:10-13

Pray for understanding. There is hope when there is “understanding”—when one sees the big picture that Jesus was painting for His followers. We need to listen—to gain that understanding and share it. We are privileged to be permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven and to go tell the world about Jesus…beginning in our neighborhoods.

Prayer ~ Heavenly Father, may I please You in all that I think, say and do. Thank you for the lesson that I should not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but allow You to transform me into a new person by changing the way I think. Then I will learn to know Your will for me, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2.

Daily Bible Reading: Romans 14-16

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Collect canned food for a Food Bank.

Only 14 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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Sing for the Harvest

Advent Lectionary Readings

Psalm 126

Isaiah 40:1-11

Romans 8:22-25

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them." Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. Psalm 126:1-6

A time to plant and a time to harvest. Ecclesiastes 3:2. There are many verses in the Bible that talk about planting and harvesting. Job’s friend, Eliphaz, spoke to Job to try to comfort him when he was discouraged.

But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you. Doesn't your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn't your life of integrity give you hope? Stop and think! Do the innocent die? When have the upright been destroyed? My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same. Job 4:5-8

Jesus spoke to his disciples after His encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well.

I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest. John 4:38

Paul wisely taught the Galatians that they will get what they give. You’ll harvest wheat…not corn or beans…if you plant wheat, but he goes beyond just crops and reminds them that their spiritual lives follow the same principle. You reap what you sow.

Don't be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith. Galatians 6:7-10

James, the brother of Jesus, wrote to believers everywhere about spiritual planting and harvesting. Being a peacemaker is an honor and a great gift. Jesus spoke about those working for peace as being called the children of God (See Matthew 5:9). Planting peace in others hearts takes an earnest and loving devotion to the Lord.

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18

Don’t be misled. That was Paul’s advice. Being a peacemaker is not an easy task—but nothing is impossible with God. Are you open to being used by Him?

Prayer ~ Lord, we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when our Heavenly Father will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don't need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:22-25. We do eagerly await Your return, Lord. The hope of the harvest. Come Quickly.

Daily Bible Reading: Romans 11-13

Advent Random Act of Kindness - Complement at least five people today. 

Only 15 Days Until Christmas

© 2018 photo and text 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.

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